Celebrity auctioneer Charles Hanson is set to auction eight Dinky Doors Dinky Presents – hidden around Cambridge’s Grand Arcade – to help people living on the streets in the city.
The items will be offered alongside special prizes to raise money for Cambridge Street Aid and Dinky Doors, so more tiny portals can be made for people in the city to enjoy.
The bespoke Dinky Presents have been created as part of a festive collaboration between the Grand Arcade and Dinky Doors – Cambridge’s most mysterious street artists.
Julie Kervadec, marketing manager, Grand Arcade, said: “It has been a delight to host the Dinky Present Hunt in the mall this festive season. It has brought so much cheer to families in the city and has been a lovely part of our wider Christmas schedule.
“We’re very excited to welcome Charles into Grand Arcade for our first ever auction and hope we raise lots of money for Cambridge Street Aid, a charity we are exceptionally proud to support, and Dinky Doors. We look forward to welcoming lots of you to our online auction for your chance to get hold of your very own Dinky Present – how many people can say they own one of those?”
The auction will take place on January 26, 2023, and the lots will be available to view online from 12 January 2023. Anyone can register their interest to virtually attend the live auction via Eventbrite.
Charles Hanson said: “It’s a great privilege to host the Grand Arcade charity auction. During my career I have raised my gavel to aid numerous good causes and I am looking forward to another trip to beautiful Cambridge.
“The Dinky Presents are a wonderfully unique and quirky piece of Cambridge history, and this auction offers people the opportunity to buy something local that they will admire for many years to come. The money raised by this event will make a real difference to those who are struggling this winter. It is a brilliant cause and one I am proud to get behind.”
Team Dinky, said: “Well crikey, how splendid is this? For such a long time, we’ve wanted to be able to offer people the chance to own their own Dinky Door, but it’s never really been possible. So, we’re hugely excited to be able to be part of this auction, with presents you can buy for yourself or that special person in your life.
“We put a lot of time and love into the doors and hope they bring much joy to those who buy them. And it’s amazing too to have the opportunity to raise some money for Cambridge Street Aid and to keep our Dinky project alive – we’re both on a mission to make the world that little bit better.”
Sarah Steggles, Community Safety Team, Cambridge City Council, said: “We are really grateful to the Grand Arcade for their continued support for Cambridge Street Aid, which helps those who are most in need at this time of year.
“Every penny donated to Street Aid from the Dinky Door auction will provide grants to people living on the streets of Cambridge for something that helps them to turn a corner in their lives and move away from the streets for good. Thank you.”
Families have until January 23 2023 to take part in the Grand Arcade’s Dinky Present Hunt. If you find all 10 presents you can enter a competition to win a £100 Grand Arcade Gift Card or even your favourite Dinky Present from the hunt!
