Nice! They donate plants to the auction each year. One of only two Canadian donors this year.
That's great to know that Forestview supports ST.
Heather, I assume that there are a lot fewer Canadian growers with plants to donate, as compared to US growers. Our population is 1/10th the size of the US and probably because of the colder climate right across the country and higher energy prices, there are probably fewer hobby growers on a per capita basis with more than just a handful of plants. Plus, since virtually every grower in Canada must accommodate their plants indoors, room is at a premium and collections are small. I'm sure most people would not want to donate their sickly, or undersized plants, nor would we want them to do that. So, that means for most people, the only things worth donating are plants they'd like to keep. So, they don't donate. Of course, there are exceptions to that and some people just don't donate when they could easily. I don't understand why not.
However, I don't think enough emphasis has been made to make everyone realize that they can donate anything; it doesn't have to be orchid plants. People need to be reminded more that they are welcome and encouraged to donate anything, like books, decorative pots, supplies, etc. Plus, they are welcome to donate non-orchid items. It's all good for an auction and as long as it sells for something, ST still gets the financial support needed.
For example: I've donated a bunch of Impatiens niamniamensis cuttings. These grow well for me all over the greenhouse and even though they are not an orchid, they are so cool and most people who see them want them. They grow fast; so, I can afford to be very generous with the cuttings that I will send to the auction winner. Also, people can donate divisions of their garden perennials like Irises, Peonies, Oriental Poppies, Ground covers, Trilliums, etc., etc., etc. They can donate garden tools and other smaller pieces of equipment. They can donate anything of any value that they have and don't need. Things like small appliances, candle holders, artwork, sculptures, small pieces of furniture (eg. light fixtures, jewelery boxes), small tools, childrens toys, sports equipment, pottery, ornaments, kitchen gadgets, pots and pans, clothing, etc., etc., will also be good items to put up for auction. Virtually anything in good condition that is the sort of thing you'd see in a yard sale is a good candidate for the auction. If someone donates something that does not attract any bids, so what. At least they tried; but, some of those items will likely be just what someone else wants and the things that do sell will benefit the ST fund. Plus, anything that is not alive, can be shipped via the slowest (and therefore, the cheapest), way possible to save on transportation costs. Also, anything that is not plant material can be shipped anywhere, not just within Canada. So, anybody in the world can bid. People need to remember that the goal is not to donate the best orchid plant, it's to just
donate something that can be turned into a bit of cash which will help pay for ST and keep it going.
Thank you for all that you do! We do appreciate it!
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. This forum is a worthwhile cause. 
