VANCOUVER, B.C. -- Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers hosted a record-breaking charity auction this past weekend, raising more than $545,000 for KidSport BC. The 3rd annual Corporate Kids Challenge bested last year’s record of $530,000 via an auction and other donations.
Gordon Hogg, government caucus chair and Parliamentary Secretary for Non-Profit Partnerships to the Minister of Social Development, presented a cheque on behalf of the Province of British Columbia for $400,000 to KidSport BC.
"You make a big difference in the lives of kids in this province and we are very thankful to you for that," Hogg said at the start of the event.
During the event, hundreds of Olympic athletes, local celebrities and corporate team members competed against each other in sports challenges, including tug-of-war, the egg and spoon race, and an obstacle course. Team KPMG came out on top, taking home the winning trophy at the 3rd annual Corporate Kids Challenge.
"It's awesome that all these people come together to support such a great cause," said Cindy Klassen, six-time Olympic medallist and the most decorated Canadian Olympian. "I believe it's really important for kids to get the chance to play sports. It allows them to build life skills, be physically active and have fun just being kids."
The evening concluded with a live charity auction featuring a 1983 Excalibur collector car, a pair of Justin Bieber tickets and a NASCAR weekend getaway.
"We are grateful to Ritchie Bros. for hosting this event year after year," said Pete Quevillon, director of KidSport BC. "The Corporate Kids Challenge remains the biggest fundraiser of any KidSport chapter in all of Canada."
"Ritchie Bros. is proud to support youth athletic programs in our community. Putting on this event today for KidSport makes our staff feel like we've hit a home run. With the money raised today, it was actually a grand slam out of the park," said Bob Armstrong, chief strategic development officer at Ritchie Bros.
Ritchie Bros. says it plans to hold the 4th Corporate Kids Challenge in September 2013.