Charity auction to raise money for workers impacted by COVID-19 crisis

The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry, is holding a month-long online auction fundraiser to raise money to support people in the trade who have been hit hardest by the COVID-19 crisis.

The auction, which is the first of its kind for the charity, will run from Monday 13 July to Friday 7 August 2020 and be hosted on the National Funding Scheme’s fundraising platform, DONATE- easydonate.org/furniture .

Almost 40 lots will be on sale with items including pieces of art, tickets to Chelsea Flower Show, limited edition prints, a four-day chair making course,  a night in a five star London hotel with dinner, a unique golf day experience, plus much more.

All proceeds raised from the auction will go towards the charity, which has seen a huge surge in applications for financial support from people working in the trade since lockdown began back in March.

The auction has been organised to mitigate against the shortfall in funds the charity usually receives from popular fundraisers like Big Shots, a staple in the industry calendar for 25 years, which have been cancelled for 2020.

David Woodward, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “Requests for Personal Support Grants have never been higher, and the team are extraordinarily busy providing lifelines to countless families linked to the UK furnishing industry who have been impacted by the current crisis.

“This demand is not going away but the pandemic has forced us to cancel our annual events that raise vital funds for the charity. We need to keep raising money to help more people in the industry, so we are organising this inaugural online charity auction, and we need your support. I implore everyone to look at the listings and place a bid if you see something that takes your fancy – and please, dig deep.”

Alistair Gough, fundraising chairman at The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “I would like to thank all the companies and individuals who generously donated lot items in support of this important fundraiser. The furniture industry is fortunate to have a dedicated charity committed to supporting the welfare of those who work in it, but in order to do so we must raise funds to help those affected. This auction is organised and supported by industry for industry and every donated lot and bid will make a huge difference to struggling industry colleagues.”

To view the auction, go to easydonate.org/furniture