United Way Oxford's Art From The Heart

Monday, 20 April 2020 06:00

United Way Oxford has launched the Art from the Heart online auction to help those in need during COVID-19. The online auction begins today and runs until this Friday.

WOODSTOCK - United Way Oxford has partnered with Oxford Creative Connections to come up with the Art from the Heart online auction.

The auction will see local talented artists raise money for United Way during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Executive Director Kelly Gilson explains how this fundraiser began.

"The concept of Art from the Heart is so exciting. It started with a conversation about how people can get involved to support our efforts. The next day, thanks to local artist Kate Innes, we had a beautifully designed heart logo along with the commitment of Oxford Creative Connections. Mary-Anne Murphy, Cultural Coordinator for Oxford Creative Connections immediately began to reach out to Members asking for their support for this innovative fundraiser. It has been a great example of a community, in this case the creative community, that has mobilized together to help others less fortunate. Art from the Heart showcases beautiful, creative and unique artwork for people to connect with during this dark time.”

The money will go towards United Way's COVID-19 Community Response Fund. The response fund was setup to help ensure frontline workers have access to resources required to address the growing needs with accessing food, shelter, transportation, and coping with mental health and isolation issues.

Cultural Coordinator for Oxford Creative Connections, Mary-Anne Murphy says the artists wanted to help the community.

"Local Oxford County artists have always supported their community, as their community has supported them. These artists responded generously with their talents to help their neighbours.”

Many local artists have generously donated their original artwork to support this initiative, in order to help others who are less fortunate in the community. The funds will be distributed quickly and efficiently to front line agencies and partners who are working hard to support those in need during this time.

The Art From the Heart online auction begins today and it'll run until this Friday. The link to the auction can be found here.

To learn more information about the COVID-19 Community Response Fund, Agency Applications, and Community Investments you can go here or call (519) 539-3851.