Manitoba

Winnipeg Harvest celebrity bowl auction raises $353K

At its biggest fundraiser of the year on Tuesday night, Winnipeg Harvest raised more than $350,000 to feed the city's hungry.

Auction features bowls signed by A-list stars Dustin Hoffman, Robert Redford

Arlene Wilson, Winnipeg Harvest volunteer, holds bowl signed up Robert Redford, which was auctioned off for $5,000 on Tuesday night.

At its biggest fundraiser of the year on Tuesday night, Winnipeg Harvest raised more than $350,000 to feed the city's hungry.

The Empty Bowl Celebrity Auction included bowls signed by Dustin Hoffman, Jonathan Toews and Robert Redford, which received the highest bid at $5,000. Bowls signed and decorated by the New York Islanders; Winnipeg Jets, Don Cherry, Ron Maclean, Sarah McLachlan and other stars were also up for auction.

This year's fundraiser brought in a total of $353,000, which surpassed last year's total of $340,000.

Although celebrities who participate in the auction help raise the funds, Winnipeg Harvest managing director Kate Brenner says the organization's real heroes are the clients and volunteers, who help get food to those in need in the city daily.