Online auction of Canadian celebrities' paintings goes live
November 5
FREDERICTON,
Nov. 5
/CNW/ - Today you can bid on artwork from your favourite Canadian celebrity! The Kidney Foundation of Canada's annual fundraising campaign, A Brush of Hope provided art kits, shipped by UPS, to Canadian celebrities who then created original paintings to be auctioned on eBay. This year's auction will take place
November 5
- 15, 2009, with all proceeds going to the Kidney Foundation.
Over 90 celebrities are participating in the event to create original paintings including musicians Alex Lifeson and Stompin'
Tom Connors
, hockey player
John Tavares
, author Stuart McLean, comedian
Brent Butt
and even the province's premier,
Shawn Graham
.
"All paintings are one-of-a-kind," said
Tim Fox
, executive director,
New Brunswick
and
Prince Edward Island Branch
of The Kidney Foundation of
Canada
. "Not only will you have an original piece of art from a Canadian celebrity but every time you look at the painting, you'll know you helped someone with kidney disease."
Nearly two million Canadians either have kidney disease or are at risk of contracting the disease.
"A Brush of Hope is a very unique fundraising event. It not only raises funds, but awareness of kidney disease," said
Shelley Gares
, vice-president of brokerage for UPS
Canada
, a sponsor of A Brush of Hope. "UPS wanted to be involved and help promote the auction because, through one of our employees
Darren Martin
, we have seen firsthand the hope and rewards that The Kidney Foundation of
Canada
gives to those living with kidney disease."
The paintings can be viewed at fundraising galas in Fredericton on
Thursday, November 5
, at the Delta Fredericton and in Saint John on
Friday, November 13
, at the Delta Hotel. The paintings can also be viewed online at http://www.kidney.ca/nbpei Between
November 5
- 15, the online auction will be held at www.ebay.ca, keyword search Kidney Foundation.
About the Kidney Foundation of Canada
-------------------------------------
The Kidney Foundation of
Canada
is the national volunteer organization committed to reducing the burden of kidney disease through funding and stimulating innovative research, providing education and support, promoting access to high quality healthcare and increasing public awareness and commitment to advancing kidney health and organ donation.
About UPS
---------
UPS (NYSE: UPS) is the world's largest package delivery company and a global leader in supply chain and freight services. With more than a century of experience in transportation and logistics, UPS is a leading global trade expert equipped with a broad portfolio of solutions. Headquartered in
Atlanta
, GA., UPS serves more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. The company can be found on the Web at UPS.com. To get UPS news direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS.
Note to assignment editor: The majority of celebrity paintings have arrived and are available to be photographed.
Darren Martin
is also available to discuss his personal battle with kidney disease and his transplant. To schedule an interview, please contact
Lisa Paschal
at (506) 852-3803 or by email at [email protected].
For further information: Lisa Paschal, Hudson Design Group, [email protected], (506) 852-3803; Tim Fox, NB & PEI Branch, The Kidney Foundation of Canada, [email protected], (506) 453-0533
Share this article