An auction at the Grand Arcade raised over £9,000 at the maiden sale of Dinky Doors during the shopping centre’s first-ever charity auction.
The hybrid auction, compered by Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip star, Charles Hanson, raised £9080, with proceeds split equally between Cambridge Street Aid and Dinky Doors to create more tiny portals for the city to enjoy.
Before the auction, attendees heard from Sarah Steggles, Senior ASB Officer at Cambridge City Council, who gave a moving presentation on behalf of Cambridge Street Aid, which helps homeless people get off and stay off the streets in the city.
Cllr Gerri Bird, executive councillor for housing at Cambridge City Council, said: “We’re so grateful to Dinky Doors and the Grand Arcade for choosing to donate to Cambridge Street Aid.
“Street Aid helps people on the street to turn a corner, helping them to adapt to life away from the streets.
“With individuals being given grants of up to £750, the grants can be used to cover things like training, work equipment or clothes, counselling, or accommodation setup costs.
“100% of every donation goes towards individual grants, so everyone who has bid on a Dinky Present can be doubly pleased, as they have also contributed to giving someone on the street a meaningful chance at making a real positive change.”
Celebrity auctioneer Hanson, said: “The Dinky Presents are a wonderfully unique and quirky piece of Cambridge history, and those who purchased one will admire them for many years to come.
“Most importantly the money raised will make a real difference to those who are struggling this winter.”
Julie Kervadec, marketing manager for the Grand Arcade, said: “We thrive by being a centre that works to support the entire Cambridge community and is always looking for opportunities to do our part; I am delighted with the outcome of the evening.
“We have been a long-standing supporter of Cambridge Street Aid and are proud to get behind the work the charity does to help those who need it most.
“The Dinky Present Hunt brought a great amount of joy to our customers throughout the festive period and the success of tonight’s auction is a testament to how special Dinky Doors are to Cambridge.”
Before the auction, Oscar Wickerson, aged 5, was announced as the winner of the Dinky Present Hunt story competition. His entry ‘The Great Story’ blew away judges from the Grand Arcade and Team Dinky.
Oscar’s submission talked about friendship between characters from different worlds and invented a time machine to travel to time where there is no war.
As the overall winner, Oscar was allowed to choose his favourite Dinky Present to take home and left the auction as the proud owner of the Dinky Flying Object.
