On Friday, October 17, Kamloops residents will once again have the chance to turn their time into tangible impact—and walk away with a piece of local art to prove it. The 12th Annual Kamloops Timeraiser, hosted by Volunteer Kamloops, is more than just a night out—it’s an inventive way to fuel community engagement, celebrate local artists, and support non-profits across the region.
Held at the Old Courthouse Gallery starting at 6:00 p.m., this year’s Timeraiser blends live music, catered bites, and a silent art auction—but with a twist: guests don’t bid money for artwork—they bid volunteer hours. “We like to give Timeraiser a short description as part volunteer fair, part art auction, and part night out on the town,” said Terri Hadwin, Chair of the Timeraiser Kamloops Committee. “It’s about getting out and having a good time, first and foremost. But it’s also about meeting local non-profits, finding ways to give back, and supporting artists at the same time.”
Attendees can mingle with representatives from 11 local non-profit organizations, learn about their work, and discover volunteer opportunities that align with their interests—ranging from animal welfare and sports to leadership and community outreach. Once they’ve connected with a cause, they can start bidding on one of 14 original artworks by pledging volunteer hours, up to a maximum of 100.
The winning bidders have one year to complete their pledged hours with any participating organization. Only then can they take home their chosen piece of art.
While bidding opens at 7:00 p.m., Hadwin notes that most people come simply to enjoy the experience. “Not everybody has 35 or 100 hours to give, and that’s okay,” she said. “Even if you can spare 5 or 10 hours a year, that’s amazing. Most attendees don’t actually bid—they come to enjoy the food, listen to great music, and discover new ways to be involved in the community.”
This year’s entertainment will be provided by local music duo Loops, with catering from Sage and Plate, and a cash bar to keep the evening lively. Advance tickets are just $15 on Eventbrite ($20 at the door).
More Than Just Art
The Timeraiser model has proven effective. Since its inception in Kamloops, the event has helped generate over 10,000 pledged volunteer hours and injected more than $43,000 into the local arts economy by purchasing artwork directly from local and regional artists. “It’s an event that truly hits all the right notes—art, community, volunteerism,” said Valda Roberts, President of Volunteer Kamloops. “Volunteers find organizations that need help, artists get paid and promoted, and businesses get involved through sponsorships. Everyone wins.”
Volunteer Kamloops took over organizing the event four years ago, and continues to innovate. New this year is a special auction for a WestJet trip for two, anywhere the airline flies, valued at over $3,000. Proceeds from this auction will go toward funding the 2026 Timeraiser and Volunteer Kamloops’ Annual Volunteer Fair. “Ever since COVID, it’s been a slow recovery in terms of people finding time to volunteer,” Hadwin admitted. “Events like Timeraiser are a great way to gently reintroduce people to the idea that giving back doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Sometimes it just takes a few hours to make a difference.”
Whether you’re passionate about art, looking for a cause to support, or just want a fun Friday night with purpose, the Kamloops Timeraiser is an open invitation to show up, connect, and give back.
You can check out the event facebook page for more information.
