ResortQuest Whistler is hoping to start a new Christmas tradition of giving, one involving white elephants rather than reindeer.
Staff at the property management firm recently got together after work for a little holiday cheer and a white elephant auction. The social occasion raised $820 and a couple of bags of groceries for the Whistler Food Bank.
"It was fun, casual and it didnt cost much, which is a consideration for many businesses this year," said organizer Liz Berezowsky.
The idea came from Berezowskys mother. Each staff member was asked to bring something they didnt use, but which was still in good shape, to donate for an in-house auction. A television set, a wine rack, fleece logowear, a baby-changing table, bottles of wine and baking were some of the items brought in.
ResortQuest Whistler decorated a conference room and supplied hors doeuvre for the BYOB social. The partner of a staff member acted as auctioneer and the bidding began.
ResortQuest Whistler staff had so much fun theyve issued a challenge to other property management companies and hotels to beat their $820 total.