THE not-for-profit foundation Sanctuary for Kids, co-founded by TV Actor / Executive Producer Amanda Tapping, will host its third on-line fund-raising auction beginning today, Thursday, October 21st at 4pm PST. The auction, which will run on eBay until October 31st at 4pm PST, will raise funds for children in crisis both locally and abroad. On the digital auction block are exclusive TV experiences and props from the hit sci fi series Sanctuary in which Tapping is both the lead actor and executive producer. The two previous auctions, in addition to fund-raising efforts by the show’s fans, cast and crew, have raised $178,000 to date...exceeding the foundation’s year one goal by 78% in just 11 months.
For the first time ever, two Sanctuary costumes will be up for bids - one worn by “Dr. Helen Magnus”, played by Tapping and the other worn by “Ashley Magnus” played by Emilie Ullerup - both from the original webisode series. As well, fans can bid on three props from the show (a steam punk designed “stunner”, a brass compass, and a wooden inlaid box – all used in the second season of the series) and a Skype chat with Executive Producers Damian Kindler, Amanda Tapping and Martin Wood. In addition, one highest bidder will get to have their name printed on the official working crew call sheet which they will then get to own, signed by the cast. (www.sanctuaryforkids.org/auction)
“The response to Sanctuary for Kids as we approach our first year has been overwhelming,” commented Amanda Tapping, Sanctuary Executive Producer, Lead Actor and Sanctuary for Kids Co-Founder. “We have always felt that it’s our job to use the reach and influence we have through television to do something really positive...something that will actually change lives. We strongly believe this is our responsibility. And our fans have reacted in such generous ways. We feel empowered by their response to do more.”
Currently, Sanctuary for Kids (S4K) is supporting the Nepal Orphans Home (NOH). As a direct result of the funds donated so far, seven sets of sisters have been reunited after being sold due to poverty. The girls are now living together in a safe, clean and positive environment, built and maintained by NOH. As well, Sanctuary for Kids funds have assisted Watari’s TTIP (Transitioning to Independence Program) and TIPPY (Transitioning to Independence Program for Parenting Youth) Programs in Vancouver aiding homeless mothers in the city with vital bus passes, starter kits and support programs.
Seeing an immediate need earlier in the year, S4K also donated funds to Save the Children in Haiti, helping establish two of eight temporary health dispensaries in the commune of Leogane, Haiti.
Sanctuary for Kids received remarkable support at their first ever fan convention this summer in Vancouver, where a live auction, donations and merchandise sales, plus all proceeds from the convention’s registration, were donated to S4K by the organizers, Gabit Events. Meanwhile, the entire cast donated their photo sessions, autograph signings and their weekend of time to S4K. That convention alone raised over $95,000.
“The convention this year really showed us how people can come together and make a huge impact,” explained Jill Bodie, Co-Founder, Sanctuary for Kids. “The online auctions are another way we can bring fans from all around the world together for a common cause. And this auction has some new items that we think are going create a lot of excitement.”
Sanctuary for Kids was founded by Amanda Tapping (Lead Actor and Executive Producer, Sanctuary), Jill Bodie (B.ED., M.S.W.) and Damian Kindler (Executive Producer and Creator, Sanctuary). All three serve as Directors for the foundation. In order to enable 100% of the funds raised to go to the children’s charities, Bodie is donating all of her time and resource costs as administrator for the foundation and Tapping and Kindler are personally covering all administrative and start-up costs.
For more information on Sanctuary for Kids and upcoming auctions, visit www.sanctuaryforkids.org. Props and costumes generously donated by The Beedie Group.
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