With two weeks to go until the Golden West Radio Radiothon for life officially begins in Estevan in support of the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation, the SJHF has decided to get a bit of a head start on donations. 

Beginning yesterday morning, the online silent auction for the SJHF is ready to go and bids are already coming in on certain items. This comes on the heels of the success the SJHF enjoyed with their first auction-based donation months ago when they auctioned off an old car donated by a local family. 

"We wanted to try something new this year, so we are launching our first ever online silent auction," said SJHF executive director Breanne Van De Woestyne. "It has launched as of September 1 and it has taken off like crazy. People are already bidding and going in to support our hospital, which is super exciting for us to see."

All the money raised will go into the pot for the radiothon. Classic cars may not be on offer for the online auction this time around, but the SJHF still managed to get in touch with local businesses and gather up some prizes, which have already attracted quite a few bids. 

"We approached local businesses to see if they would want to donate different experiences, gift cards, and services," Van De Woestyne said, "something that they could use to really promote their business but also help us in return. So we've got experiences from staycations to autobody packages to tires to jewelry. It's something for everyone."

The list of items to be auctioned off is impressive and already attracting attention, though that may also be because of the cause behind it and the ultimate destination for that money. This year, the radiothon's funds will mostly be going to support the opening of the new addictions treatment centre at the hospital, which is due to open in mid-September despite COVID-19-related delays. 

"It's a huge project for us that we're really excited to be a part of," said Van De Woestyne. "The support that's already come through for the radiothon is super exciting. We're just excited for radiothon day to come through so that we can celebrate with our community."

Van De Woestyne added the addictions treatment centre is a huge expense for the hospital but a highly necessary one. The radiothon for life will begin on Wednesday, September 16.