The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) and the Exeter Lions are bringing back an online auction that supports community projects.
A long-running online auction and 50-50 raffle draw will return in 2026. The Exeter Lions and ABCA say that, over 35 years, more than $1.42 million has been raised through similar fundraisers that all go towards "needed projects" in the area.
The online auction will run from April 9-16, 2026. The online auction and 50-50 raffle draw raised more than $30,000 in 2025 for local projects, according to the ABCA.
The online auctions, held in 2021, 2022, and 2025, have raised a combined $90,000 for local projects, the ABCA added.
More details will be announced in the new year, and the Conservation Auction Committee will notify the public when the online auction is live in April 2026.
Also, organizers say they are keeping the door open to a possible return of the in-person dinner and auction in a future year, but committee members agreed the virtual auction is the best way forward for 2026.
The link to the live auction will be posted on the online auction web page (https://conservationdinner.com/online-auctions/).
"We are excited to continue this close and successful partnership that has benefitted our local communities for more than 35 years," said Co-Chair George Irvin. "We hope the return of these community fundraisers can continue to support work that could not happen otherwise."
