Loonie Toonie Auction Supports United Way Campaign

by Bob Montgomery

For a second year, Penny’s of Blyth is hosting a Loonie Toonie Auction in support of United Way Perth-Huron’s annual campaign.

“We’re looking forward to this event again,” said United Way Manager of Community Development, Northern Huron and Huron East, Lisa Harper. “People really enjoyed getting together last year and supporting United Way Perth-Huron’s work in a fun and exciting way, so we’re hoping this year will be even bigger. We appreciate Penny Chmilar’s hard work in organizing the auction and supporting United Way.”

“Local businesses have really come together for this event,” added Penny Chmilar, owner of Penny’s of Blyth. “There will be a huge Blyth prize, including tickets for the Blyth Theare Festival’s 2025 season, accommodations at Hotel Lux, meals at The Pine Café & Bistro and The Blyth Inn, VIP tours and product from Cowbell, and a relaxing spa experience from Spa Essentials Blyth. It’s going to be very exciting to present the winner with this incredible prize package!”

Taking place on Saturday, October 19th from 6 pm to 9 pm at the Blyth Arena and Community Centre, this year’s Loonie Toonie Auction brings together items from over 25 local vendors. Tickets for the auction are five dollars, twenty-five dollars if you want dinner courtesy of the Pine Café and Bistro included. Tickets are available at Penny’s of Blyth, 439 Queen St. or by emailing hello@pennysofblyth.com. There will also be a cash bar run by the Blyth Lions Club.

Funds raised support the Northern Huron Connection Centre, located at St. Paul’s Trinity Anglican Church in Wingham. Operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association Huron Perth, the Northern Huron Connection Centre is a housing-based poverty reduction service helping those experiencing homelessness or who are otherwise vulnerable. Staff collaborate with community service partners to provide wrap-around supports such as trauma-informed care, addiction, and mental health counselling, along with basic needs including food, clothing, showers, laundry facilities and warming/cooling space. Building trust between participants, service providers, and staff can lead to engaging with more formal supports such as application completion, legal aid, and Ontario Works, creating a pathway out of poverty.