By Jesse Robitaille
For the second year in a row, The Canadian Numismatic Company (TCNC) is hosting a charity auction to benefit a cause that hits close to home for one of the company’s auctioneers.
Marc Verret, the owner of the Québec-based auction house, is joining the fight against blood cancer with a 262-lot charity sale benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC). All sales, including buyer’s fees, will be matched by TCNC (up to $20,000) and donated to the LLSC.
“If the total sales come to $10,000 plus commission – $11,900 – TCNC will match $11,900. A total of $23,800 will be donated to the LLSC,” said Verret, whose son, Samuel, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2018 but has been in remission since the beginning of 2019.
Lot 69 offers a ‘scarce’ 1985 proof-like set with a pre-sale estimate of $75-$100.
“Our goal for this event will be to try and raise several thousand dollars to help fund the mission to find a cure for blood cancers, and we are seeking support from collectors and businesses within the community.”
The single-session auction is set to begin tonight at 8 p.m.
‘LIGHT THE NIGHT’
Founded in 1955, the LLSC has become the world’s largest voluntary organization “dedicated to funding research, finding cures and ensuring access to treatments for blood cancer patients,” according to its website.
Each year, the LLSC hosts a “Light the Night Walk” in 12 cities across the country plus dozens of community-based Light the Night events led by volunteers and schools. More than 35,000 people participate in the fundraiser annually.
“During the walk, walkers carry illuminated lanterns in three colours,” reads the LLSC website. “White lanterns are carried by patients and survivors; red lanterns by supporters; gold ones are carried by walkers who are walking in memory of a loved one.”
In 2019, the Light the Night initiative raised more than $6.6 million, which helped fund 23 research grants.
This year, 12 Light the Night Walks are slated for:
- Québec City, which will host a virtual walk on June 13;
- Edmonton, Saskatoon and Winnipeg on Sept. 26;
- Calgary, Montréal, St. John’s and Vancouver on Oct. 17;
- Toronto on Oct. 22; and
- Halifax, London and Ottawa on Oct. 24.
A 1998 silver proof set is expected to bring $75-$100 as Lot 153.
AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights of tonight’s auction include Lot 5, a 25-piece set of 1968-87 nickel dollars housed in a commemorative cardboard holder.
The coins are described by auctioneers as “Uncirculated and better,” and the set has a pre-sale estimate of $100-$125.
Crossing the block as Lot 69 is a “scarce” 1985 special-edition proof-like set in a hard plastic holder. It’s expected to bring $75-$100.
Lot 153 offers a 1998 five-coin silver proof set marking the 90th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Mint’s opening in Ottawa. Its pre-sale estimate is also $75-$100.
Lot 186 offers a 1999-P proof-like set with a pre-sale estimate of $90-$100.
Rounding out the highlights is a 1999-P proof-like set offered as Lot 186. It’s expected to bring $90-$100.
“We hope you join us in raising funds for the ‘Light the Night Walk’ Auction,” said Verret.
“Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of our request.”
To bid in the April 15 TCNC auction, visit auctions.canadiancoinsandpapermoney.com/auction/119/light-the-night-walk-auction-2020.
If you do not wish to bid but would like to donate to Verret’s fundraiser through the LLSC, click here.