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A Canadian contemporary art auction raised more than $1 million in Toronto on Tuesday for hospitals that provide care for people living with HIV and at risk of infection. HIV
Art With Heart, now in its 29th year, has attracted approximately 500 people to the Art Gallery of Ontario, a fundraising effort that is both a silent and live auction. Benefiting Casey House, serving inpatients, outpatients and the downtown community.
The auction was held in person for the first time since the outbreak of COVID-19. There are approximately 75 works by Canadian artists in 2020 as a virtual fundraising event. But it’s not an auction, and in 2021 it’s a hybrid event that sends participants packages.
Casey House CEO Joanne Simons told CBC Toronto ahead of the event, “People are very happy to be back at the art auction, at the party, doing good for the organization that works hard to support Toronto residents. fight in the city”
During the event, participants viewed the artwork. They then went upstairs to the auction themselves, where there were two bidders involved in the auction.
Stephen Ranger, one of the auctioneers and board member at Casey House, said the event was a small gathering in its early years but had grown into a mainstream fundraising event backed by prominent Canadian artists.
“It’s exciting to be back at auction,” Ranger said on Tuesday. “To come back to AGO head-to-head, it was amazing. lots of fun many auctions Lots of great art It’s a lively group.”
Ranger said the artists participating in the auction knew their art was properly displayed. He added that the merit at the auction had a direct impact on people’s lives.
“People are involved in the energy of this work. They certainly relate to the cause of Casey House and the work we are doing in our community,” he said.
Artist Bidemi Oloyede, whose work is up for auction, says he explores the uniqueness of the individual in his art and photographs. “People in our community to reinforce their identity in history,” he added, adding that photography gives immortality. and his work means that he is creating “Large archive” of people’s photos He said he took part in the 2019 auction.
“I’m trying to give back to the community and help anyone I can help. And this is one of the best ways for that,” he said.
Simons said the hospital has more than 1,000 patients, with increasing demand for health services since the epidemic. and people come to use a variety of services The hospital recently opened a supervised consumption service for people with addiction problems. and strives to be inclusive and non-judgmental, she said.
“We try to treat people like real humans. and don’t think about their disease as much as who they are. And how can we support them?” she said.
Casey House’s website states, “We are the first and only hospital in Canada for people living and at risk of HIV. and offers a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to health and well-being.
The website said “By building a legacy of support and social justice So we remove barriers to care and safe living.”
“We provide a community and a sense of belonging that connects people to care. The humanity of each customer is at the heart of everything we do.”
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