FREDERICTON — UPS likes to help people move stuff, including, it turns out, human organs from one body to another.

After one of Big Brown’s Fredericton employees, namely Darren Martin, needed a kidney transplant eight years ago, his colleagues at the courier company decided to show their support for him and the Kidney Foundation.

They decided to sponsor "A Brush of Hope,” a fundraising event that auctions off art by distinguished Canadians celebs you probably didn’t even know could hold a brush.

Like Brent Butt, the guy from Corner Gas.

And wrestler Bret Hart, singer Amy Sky, New York Islander John Tavares, P.E.I. Singer Kevin Gallant, and lots more.

They’re auctioning off more than 100 original works of art.

"A Brush of Hope is a celebration of Canadian pop culture. It gives everyone an opportunity to own a little piece of Canadiana while supporting a truly important cause — kidney research through The Kidney Foundation of Canada," says Tim Fox, executive director, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island Branch of The Kidney Foundation of Canada.

"The support of UPS and our other sponsors means that all of the money raised by the sale of the paintings goes directly to the cause."

Residents in P.E.I and New Brunswick have a number of opportunities to view the paintings at local exhibitions.

The auction kicks off with a banquet in Saint John, N.B., at the Delta Hotel October 22 at 6:00 p.m.

Afterwards, there’ll be four free-admission viewings of the work:
Oct. 25, Carleton Mall, Woodstock, N.B. from noon to 5:00 p.m.; Oct.27 at Northumberland Square, Miramichi, from noon to 5:00 p.m.; The Regent Mall in Fredericton on October 28 from noon to 9:00 p.m.; and finally, at the Charlottetown Mall, Charlottetown, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

To bid be, between Oct. 21 and Oct. 31, go to www.ebay.ca, keyword search Kidney Foundation.

You can also visit www.kidney.ca/nbpei or join the Facebook group “A Brush of Hope” to view the paintings and learn more about the event and how you can help find a cure.