David's Gift
by Heather Plett
Just like any eight year old boy would do, he wrestles playfully with his friend while we wait to be called into the auction ring. He’s a little nervous to be the centre of attention, but he’s willing to do it. His parents stand nearby, encouraging him.
David Driesen may be an ordinary eight year old boy in most respects, but what he’s come here to do makes him extraordinary. We’re standing behind the door leading into the McClary Stockyards, waiting for the announcement. When we walk through the door, he’ll present me with a cheque for $236 – more than most boys have ever owned, let alone given away.
A few days before, David had heard his dad talking to Clarence Tuin about the upcoming sale at the McClary Stockyards. The sale is an annual event to raise money for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, an organization that works to end hunger in developing countries. David wanted to be a part of it. He wanted to help children just like him who might not have enough to eat.
Not long before, David had sold a bull calf he’d raised for $236. He’d told his mom that he wanted to do something special with the money. When he heard Mr. Tuin, a Foodgrains Bank volunteer, talking about the sale, he knew what he would do – give the money away so that kids could have food to eat.
When we walk into the ring, I accept the cheque from David and tell him what an incredible thing he’s done. I ask him how many children are in his second grade class. Twenty-two, he tells me. “Well,” I say, “the money you have just donated could feed your whole class for about a month and a half. With $236, we can buy enough food for 34 people for a month.” David grins and bends his head shyly.
David’s gift is not the only generous donation at the annual Abbotsford “Make a Difference” sale, held on March 16th this year. Local farmers and businesses have donated cattle, golf clubs, ladders, gift certificates for labour, a fishing rod, a load of hay, a wheel of cheese, and hundreds of other items. McClary Stockyards has donated the space and the staff to run the auction. Other businesses and volunteers have provided free advertising, trucking, and numerous other acts of service, making the event cost-free. All proceeds from the auction can go toward ending hunger. Some items, like the wheel of cheese, get donated back by the purchaser to be re-auctioned for even more money.
Later in the day, David and his family sit in the front row, eager to participate in the auction. David raises his hand excitedly as they auction off first a watch and later a basket of chocolates. He’s not always successful (his dad watches with a careful eye and tells him when the bidding should stop), but before he leaves, he manages to add a little more money to the day’s total proceeds.
At the end of the day, volunteers are tired but happy. This year, they’ve raised over $72,000. It’s a little lower than previous years, because of the border closures and the consequent low value of dairy cows, but they don’t let that dampen their spirits. The number of contributions is up and even more people in the community have become involved in ending hunger this year. It’s been a good day not only for David, but for all those who took part in the sale.