Yukon’s Mining and Exploration Industry raises $24,500 for YIL
November 28, 2016
Whitehorse, Yukon – The Yukon Chamber of Mines’ annual auction raised $24,500 for the Yukon Imagination Library (YIL) at the 44th Annual Geoscience Forum Banquet. This is the highest amount ever raised by the mining and exploration industry since this fundraiser for YIL started in 2011.
Yukon Chamber of Mines President’s Mike Burke was this year’s live auctioneer. “I have had many opportunities to engage with industry during my career but none was as fulfilling as playing the role of auctioneer – a first for me – and to see the enthusiasm of the industry in supporting this territory-wide family literacy initiative,” said Burke.
The lively auction was conducted before a packed crowd at the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre. Live auction items for bidding included an original painting of the historic Keno Hill 700 mine site and an original painting by Champagne and Aishihik First Nations’ artist Arthur Joe, travel packages to Watson Lake, Dawson, Carcross, and Vancouver and gold from third generation placer miner Justin Millar. Air North, Alkan Air, Pelly Construction, Budget Whitehorse, Victoria Gold, CIBC Wood Gundy, the Yukon Chamber of Mines and artist Jeff Wilson donated the live auction items.
The Northern Safety Network Yukon (NSNY) organized and coordinated the silent auction portion for a fifth year in a row. “Each year we are a witness to the generosity of our local artisans, of service providers and construction companies joining forces with the mining and exploration industry and we are very proud to contribute to the success of the Yukon Imagination Library,” said Sheila Sergy, the NSNY Executive Director.
“The support we receive from YCM and NSNY makes this event possible,” said Claire Derome, Yukon Imagination Library (YIL) chair. “The funds that industry contributes make all the difference to our volunteer-run organization and to increased awareness for the program. With almost 70 per cent of Yukon’s pre-school children enrolled in the program and the 17,000 free books we will distribute this year, we could not do it without the support of the Yukon Chamber of Mines and of all of our sponsors and volunteers.”
To learn more about the Yukon Imagination Library, make a donation or register your little loved one for this free program, please visit yukonimaginationlibrary.ca or our Facebook page.
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Contact:
Claire Derome
Chair, Yukon Imagination Library
867-335-2077
Samson Hartland
Executive Director, Yukon Chamber of Mines
867-667-2090
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