Ready, Set, Bid!

Fredericton, November 05, 2009

Online auction of Canadian celebrities' paintings goes live November 5

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 www.kidney.ca/nbpei Between November 5 - 15, the online auction will be held at www.ebay.ca, keyword search Kidney Foundation.