Online auction raises over £12.5k for worthy causes

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Cllr Jim Montgomery has raised more than £12,500 from his online auction which was held in aid of his nominated charities; Air Ambulance NI and Guide Dogs NI.
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The auction was held in partnership with local company, Wilsons Auctions, who kindly donated their auctioneering services free of charge for the cause, helping the Mayor to raise a final total of £12,590 for his charities.

More than 70 Lots went under the hammer on the night, including a signed pair of racing gloves worn by six times World Superbike Champion Jonathan Rea and a customised solar panel system.

The Mayor commented: “I was blown away by the generosity of local businesses and individuals who kindly donated items and services for my auction. I want to thank all those who joined us online on the night and bid so generously in aid of my charities, both of which are very close to my heart.

John Ardill, General Manager of Wilsons Auctions presents a cheque totalling £12,590 to Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Jim Montgomery for proceeds raised from his online charity auction.John Ardill, General Manager of Wilsons Auctions presents a cheque totalling £12,590 to Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Jim Montgomery for proceeds raised from his online charity auction.
John Ardill, General Manager of Wilsons Auctions presents a cheque totalling £12,590 to Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Jim Montgomery for proceeds raised from his online charity auction.

“Raising funds has been particularly difficult in the current climate and I am delighted to have raised such a fantastic amount of money. Every penny raised will be able to support the work of Air Ambulance and Guide Dogs Northern Ireland at a time when their fundraising, which they rely heavily on, has been greatly affected by the pandemic.”

John Ardill, Northern Ireland General Manager and auctioneer for the charity auction added: “Wilsons Auctions was delighted to partner with the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey and help raise much needed funds for Cllr Jim Montgomery’s chosen charities, Air Ambulance NI and Guide Dogs Northern Ireland.

“The Mayor put much effort into this auction and as a company we were pleased to offer our services free of charge to see the Lots sold and raise as much money as possible for these very worthwhile causes.

“I enjoyed playing a part in the success of this fundraising effort.”

To make a donation to the Mayor’s charities visit www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/mayorscharities

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