One set of luggage was donated 13 times and raised over $6,000 for the Humboldt Broncos

A set of luggage shouldn’t have reached such a large price tag, but after 13 good Samaritans were done the luggage was worth over $6,000.

Ducks Unlimited Canada held their annual banquet in Maple Creek, Sask. on April 7, just one day after the devastating crash between the Humboldt Broncos team bus and a semi-truck that tragically left 15 dead.

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The banquet is held annually, in addition to many other events put forth by Ducks Unlimited Canada to interact with the community. There’s generally a lot of merchandise: games, raffles and auctions.

But this year’s banquet was a little different.

Alan Smith, the manager of events and volunteer relations for Ducks Unlimited Canada wanted to do something special to support the Humboldt Broncos, and shed some light on the tragedy and on the connection it brings to many across the province and the world.

They planned to sell tickets for $10 to raise money for the Broncos. The result? 156 people purchased the tickets bringing in a total $1,560.00.

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“These teams have been integrated into the community. There’s something special about Junior A. It is volunteer and community run, these kids are a part of our community,” said Alan.

“I play hockey for the Western Canadians Fan Club in Saskatoon. My half-brother has known Xavier Labelle since peewee hockey. This could happen to any community. We’re rural folk, we’re all on the highways, we need to take care of our community.”

When the event began, Alan made a speech that connected with many people in attendance.

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One of the events at the banquet was an auction for a set of luggage.

A man from the audience bought it for $525.00, and then immediately donated it back, challenging the people in attendance to continue the cycle with intent to send all proceeds raised directly to the Humboldt Broncos.

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“When we started the live auction, the luggage set came and a gentleman bought it. When he bought it, he got up from his table and came at me and grabbed the mic out of my hand. It actually startled me, I was thinking ‘what is he about to do?’” said Alan.

In no time, the cycle had begun. A second man bought it for another $500.00 and donated it back. Before they knew it, 13 people had taken part in the auction.

As a result, $6,555 was raised – with all proceeds to go to the Humboldt Broncos.

“People had their hands in the air. It speaks volumes. When you see the Facebook picture, those 13 people were the 13 buyers and we had them at the front to take that picture. The room gave them a standing ovation.”

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The cheque is expected to be delivered inside of the luggage with hopes to see it turn into more funds.

With all of the funds raised in just one night at just one event, Alan said it doesn’t stop there.

“When you see the Go Fund Me page, the support is amazing. We’ve got three weeks of banquets over the next little while, and I will be doing something at every event to raise funds for the Broncos.”

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The next event will take place in Regina with an expected attendance of 300 people.

You can visit the Ducks Unlimited Canada website to find out what events are taking place in communities around you.