Volunteer Story

Signature Event Inspired by Dedicated Volunteers

Country Classic Auction Logistics Committee

In 1987, a dedicated group of volunteers put together an evening of good food, great music and a charity auction. They called it the Country Classic Auction and it grew to become one of London Health Sciences Foundation's annual Signature Events. 

This could never have happened without the commitment of the volunteers who drive the event. Karolanne Bolton and Greg Lewis have been on the Country Classic Auction committee since close to its inception. They have great stories of the early days at the barn in Birr to the more recent years at the Western Fair Agriplex.

Dianne Weisz, current chair of the logistics committee, says, "I love the people I get to 'work' with, both volunteers and Foundation staff, and I fully believe the saying that you get more than you give when you volunteer."

More than 90 community-based events and two Signature Events help support London Health Sciences Centre each year. The Country Classic Auction is an excellent example of how a volunteer-run event can make a tremendous difference. Over the past 25 years, it has entertained tens of thousands and raised $7.6 million.   

"Volunteers are truly the life-blood of our Foundation and much of what we do for our Hospital and its patients would not be possible without them." says London Health Sciences Foundation President and CEO Dan Ross. "This is especially true with our numerous fundraising events which are often conceived and managed by dedicated and very hard-working volunteers."

Learn more about volunteer opportunities with LHSF.