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Dreaming the poverty-free dream

Ten years ago, Richmonds Sally Houston had a dream that no local child would have to live in poverty. Houston is still working on that wish through her annual fundraiser, the Richmond Dream Auction.
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Auction chairperson Sally Houston will retire from her role this year, but not before she's tried to raise another $35,000 for the charity.

Ten years ago, Richmonds Sally Houston had a dream that no local child would have to live in poverty.

Houston is still working on that wish through her annual fundraiser, the Richmond Dream Auction.

So far, fundraising efforts have raised more than $337,000 towards poverty issues right here in Richmond. The 2010 Richmond Woman of Distinction Pioneer Award winner hopes that this years fundraiser will be even more successful than ever.

This year we are delighted to celebrate the 10th anniversary with a goal higher than ever, $35,000, said Houston, who will retire this year as the chairperson. Many of us in Richmond have so much. We hope an even bigger crowd will come out this year to celebrate and support this special anniversary of giving in Richmond.

Everyone is invited to help eradicate child poverty by attending the 10th annual 2011 Dream Auction on Saturday, Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Executive Airport Inn ballroom, 7311 Westminster Hwy.

There will be live and silent auctions, as well as its popular paper airplane competition, with the winner walking away with two tickets to anywhere on Air Canadas North American routes, including the Caribbean and Hawaii.

Last years recipients of the Dream Auctions proceeds included: Richmond Food Bank ($7,000), St. Albans and Gilmore Park community meal programs ($7,000 each), Richmond Board of Education breakfast and lunch programs ($5,000), CHIMO Crisis Services ($8,000), and Stir It Up community kitchen for at risk youth ($1,000).

One hundred per cent of the proceeds go directly to support Richmond children and their families. Tickets are $38 or $380 for a table of 10. For more information or to purchase tickets, call Rebecca Avendano at CHIMO at 604-279-7077.

Richmond Poverty Statistics:

- 31 per cent of local children under 18 live in poverty.

- 20 per cent of Richmond seniors (74+) live in poverty.

- The average income for a family of four living in poverty is $14,900/year.

- The poverty gap in Richmond is the highest in Canada.