The Board of Directors of Grapes for Humanity gathered at the home of our esteemed board member, Geddy Lee in Toronto for a reception with the beneficiaries of our 2024 Charity Fine Wine Auction. In a delightful afternoon ceremony, we proudly presented cheques of $163,000 each to The HALO Trust USA Tree Canada / Arbres Canada and Nature Conservancy of Canada / Conservation de la nature Canada. We look forward to showcasing the remarkable work of these organizations in the near future. Photos by Richard Sibbalt
BuildOn is excited to announce that the school Grapes for Humanity funded in Kasamba is now complete! This means 814 children now have an adequate school structure that will allow them to learn and grow. The organization reports that students love their new classrooms and improved learning conditions. To learn more about this project and the important work of buildOn visit https://www.buildon.org/ HERE
Grapes for Humanity Canada is proud to partner with Dymon Wine Cellars and Waddington’s Auctioneers to present Grapes for Climate Change Action – Wine Auction.
Proceeds from the auction will be directed to aid the battle against the threat of Climate Change and to support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. The Grapes for Humanity Wine Auction will be offered online October 12-19: the preview gallery will be available to view shortly.
The auction features some of the most sought-after bottles of wine, exceptional ready-to-drink wines, special items like autographed bottles and guitars donated by Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush, Canadian winemakers' dinners in top restaurants, unique winery experiences in Canada and abroad, guided tours of difficult-to-access forests, and much more. Also of note, returning to the auction is Cuvée from the Heart - community blends from Ontario and BC winemakers who contributed their best wines to create barrels of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Nature Conservancy of Canada, Tree Canada and humanitarian relief in Ukraine.
Featured lots include:
- A private tour of Château Latour, Bordeaux France Winery and tasting, along with two bottles of legendary vintages, 1945 and 1959, followed by lunch at Château Latour (for four guests). The 1959 Latour is donated and signed by Geddy Lee.
- World-renowed musicians, singers, songwriters Les Claypool, along with his wife Chaney, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson will host eight guests at the famed Barberian's Steak House located in Toronto.
- A Geddy Lee autographed Fender Jazz Bass, as well as a Alex Lifeson Autographed Epiphone Les Paul.
- Magnums of Il Palagio Sister Moon 2016, autographed by owners Sting and Trudie Styler.
- One bottle of Invivo X SJP Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough 2021, and a bottle of Rose Sud de France 2021, signed by Sarah Jessica Parker, as well as a pair of SJP shoes.
- Numerous special wines from Geddy Lee’s personal cellar.
“Both Alex I are once again pleased to be able to donate instruments and rare wine to help raise money for these urgent needs. I am particularly proud of my long association with Grapes for Humanity Canada and the good work we’ve been able to achieve together.”
- Geddy Lee.
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is Canada’s unifying force for nature working to deliver large scale, permanent land conservation. NCC seeks solutions to the twin crises of rapid biodiversity loss and climate change through direct on-the-ground action to protect and care for our lands and waters. Since 1962, NCC has brought people together to conserve more than 15 million hectares.
“We are delighted to be part of the 2022 Auction. The funds raised will help protect and care for critical lands and waters at a landscape-scale in Ontario. Conserving entire natural systems means we take care of the places that clean our water, purify our air, absorb and store carbon and provide for our health and well-being. Connected landscapes provide nature-based solutions faster and with greater impact. Nature is our ally. When nature thrives, we all thrive.”
- Mike Hendren, Regional Vice President, Ontario Region, Nature Conservancy of Canada.
Tree Canada is the only national non-profit organization dedicated to planting and nurturing trees in rural and urban environments. We help to grow Canada’s tree canopy through our programs, research, and engagement efforts and by offering grants to communities and schools. We are thought-leaders and capacity-builders, collaborating with a network of industry experts, academics, and other non-profits to deepen community knowledge and help municipalities plan and sustain local canopy. Together with our partners and sponsors, we have planted more than 84 million trees.
“Tree Canada is thrilled to be a designated charity for Grapes of Humanity’s 2022 Auction for Climate Change Action. We know that trees absorb carbon dioxide, which is essential in the fight against climate change, but trees are also important to people and wildlife by naturally cooling our cities and absorbing pollutants. Your generous support will help grow better places to live across Canada.”
- Danielle St-Aubin, CEO, Tree Canada.
The auction is offered online October 12-19 courtesy of Waddington’s. Find out how to register for the auction at www.waddingtons.ca. Special Terms and Conditions for the auction include no buyer’s commission or tax.
To bid, please CLICK HERE
Grapes for Humanity, in partnership with Waddington’s Auctioneers and Dymon Wine Cellars is hosting Grapes for Humanity Fine Wine Auction 2022 virtual wine auctions in Toronto and Vancouver October 12–19th, 2022. We remain committed to raise funds to aid in the battle against the threat of the Climate Change and to support global communities in need. Our Benefactors are Tree Canada and Nature Conservancy of Canada. Support will also be extended to humanitarian relief in Ukraine.
Since our virtual fundraising efforts started in 2020, our auctions raised over $896,000 in support. Grapes for Humanity Director and auction founder, Steven Campbell states, “Grapes for Humanity recognizes the need for urgent action to face humanity’s biggest threat—the Climate Crisis. In 2022 we are partnering with two of Canada’s most impactful and respected green organizations, Tree Canada and The Nature Conservatory. United in purpose and aware of the consequences of inaction, our three organizations alongside Waddington’s and Dymon Wine Cellar will hold two important auctions in October 2022 in British Columbia and Ontario to support the battle against global warming. It is going to be a fun task building our auctions and then reaping the reward of providing hope for future generations through our conservation efforts.”
Of course, none of this could be possible without the generous support of our wine community and the tremendous support from our Partners, who stand in support beside us. Please help us out with a tax-deductible wine donation. We have been living in challenging times, and we hope we can count on you for a generous donation. As always, any donation you can provide is greatly appreciated. Included in this letter are the two donation forms, Form A and Form B. Kindly return the forms to Grapes for Humanity Fundraiser, paulinefortier@sympatico.ca
About US | Grapes for Humanity is a national charity co-founded in 2001, by wine writer Tony Aspler and Arlene Willis. Grapes for Humanity has raised millions of dollars for many global humanitarian projects. The foundation held the first virtual charity wine auction in Ontario, fall of 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, to support the stricken hospitality sector. Canadian wines were highlighted in the auction including barrels of “Cuvée from the Heart” of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, blended by Thomas Bachelder from 37 wine makers from every wine making region in Ontario. In British Columbia Ross Wise is the master blender.
Founded in 1850, Waddington’s is Canada’s most diverse auction and appraisal company, specializing in fine and decorative arts, jewellery and fine wine and spirits. Waddington’s is the sole and first company in Ontario permitted to provide the sale by auction of fine wine and spirits, under the authority of the LCBO, having previously conducted the LCBO’s Vintages Fine Wine and Spirits auctions from 2009 to 2013.
DYMON Wine Cellar has been designed from the ground up to be the preeminent destination for wine cellaring in Toronto. Offering optimal and secure cellaring conditions, an exclusive wine club with a members lounge and beautifully curated tasting rooms event space. DYMON Wine Cellar blends innovative, sophisticated design with timeless luxury to create a truly exceptional wine cellaring experience.
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is the country’s unifying force for nature. NCC seeks solutions to the twin crises of rapid biodiversity loss and climate change through large-scale, permanent land conservation. As a trusted partner, NCC works with people, communities, businesses and government to protect and care for our country’s most important natural areas. Since 1962, NCC has brought people together to conserve and restore more than 15 million hectares.
“The Nature Conservancy of Canada is delighted to be working with Grapes for Humanity again in 2022. And we are thrilled that our Boreal Wildlands project, the largest private conservation project in Canada’s history, will be supported by the 2022 auction. This historic project, when completed, will protect nearly 1,500 square kilometres of boreal forest in Northern Ontario – an area twice the size of Toronto! Conserving large landscapes like this means we take care of the places that clean our water, purify our air, absorb and store carbon and provide for our health and well-being. You can see more about the project at www.borealwildlands.ca When nature thrives, we all thrive.” Mike Hendren, Regional Vice President, Ontario Region, Nature Conservancy of Canada.
Tree Canada is the only national non-profit organization dedicated to planting and nurturing trees in rural and urban environments. We help to grow Canada’s tree canopy through our programs, research, and engagement efforts and by offering grants to communities and schools.
We are thought-leaders and capacity-builders, collaborating with a network of industry experts, academics, and other non-profits to deepen community knowledge and help municipalities plan and sustain local canopy. Together with our partners and sponsors, we have planted more than 84 million trees.
“Tree Canada is thrilled to be a designated charity for Grapes of Humanity’s 2022 Auction for Climate Change Action. We know that trees absorb carbon dioxide, which is essential in the fight against climate change, but trees are also important to people and wildlife by naturally cooling our cities and absorbing pollutants. Your generous support will help grow better places to live across Canada.”, Danielle St-Aubin, CEO, Tree Canada.
You may register with Christie's beginning March 10, 2022
Note: If you already have a Christie's account, you may place a bid from March 15 once you're signed in.
1. Visit Christie's website where our Auction lots are featured, here
2. Click 'Sign in' – on the right hand side of the page
3. Click 'Create new account'
4. Take a photo of your driver's licence and save it to your computer
5. When prompted, click 'Select document' then browse to the saved photo of your driver's licence
6. Next, click 'Submit document'
7. For the Proof of address prompt, repeat steps 5 & 6
When bidding opens on March 15, a 'Place Bid' button will be visible on each lot.
If you place a bid, you'll be prompted for your credit card information – if you did not add it when completing your Christie's profile during registration.
1. Download the Christie's app
2. Click 'Create account'
3. Take and save a photo of your driver's licence
4. Complete your account set up by uploading a saved image of your driver's licence to verify your identity
When bidding opens on March 15, a 'Place Bid' button will be visible on each lot.
Dear Grapes for Humanity Donors,
Thank you for your donation to Grapes for Humanity, through the Moving Pictures 40th Anniversary Rare Photo Outtake sale. Your purchase will support the Genius 100 Foundation Gift of Sight Campaign and the Himalayan Cataract Project (HCP).
Thanks to you, the funds will provide funding for many sight restoring surgeries. It will be possible for those in need in various under-resourced regions around the globe where HCP has operations to have the cataract operation fully paid for. Progress will be shared on www.grapesforhumanity.com.
We are in process of concluding the sale. The sale closes on Wednesday February 16th, 2022, 5:00pm EST.
You can make a last minute purchase here: movingpictures40.com.
On behalf of Grapes for Humanity, I would like to reiterate a huge thank you to everyone who has supported this amazing collection. We are working on fulfilling your gift. We have experienced supply chain issues. There may be additional delays with your orders, but we are working hard to process everything as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience.
Your generosity has helped bring “sight to the sightless”.
Sincerely,
Doris Miculan Bradley
Grapes for Humanity President
Grapes for Humanity is pleased to announce the ‘Gift of Sight’ online sale of three alternate front album covers, three alternate back album covers, and twelve alternate interior album art photographs of both Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee taken from the original ‘Moving Pictures’ photo shoot. Funds raised will support the Genius 100 Himalayan Cataract Project. The collection will offered to the public starting on December 16th, 2021.
In commemoration of the RUSH 40th Anniversary of the ‘Moving Pictures’ album, Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee, with photographer Deborah Samuel, have generously donated and curated an opportunity to own a piece of history. The photos feature the behind-the-scenes, never-seen moments of the ‘Moving Pictures’ album cover photo shoot.
Deborah Samuel is one of Canada's most sought-after commercial and editorial photographers. Today, Deborah concentrates on fine art, commissions, and the occasional book. Her work is in public and private collections around the world.
The sale includes 160 images bundled in three purchase options. Bidding starts at $200 per bundle and the photos are limited. For sale details, please CLICK HERE.
The benefactor, Himalayan Cataract Project, is a not-for-profit founded by G100 Visionaries, Dr. Sanduk Ruit and Dr. Geoff Tabin, to eradicate preventable and curable blindness in low to middle income countries. Grapes for Humanity’s goal is to raise funds necessary to perform as many sight-restoring surgeries ($125USD per operation) as possible for those in need in various under-resourced regions around the globe where HCP has operations. To learn more about the Himalayan Cataract Project, visit: HCP. Additional information about the medical research, surgical procedure, patient recovery and extensive communal impact can be found at Cure Blindness .
Toronto, ON Grapes for Humanity* announces that three provincial wine auctions this fall, to raise funds to aid in the battle against the threat of Climate Change and to support global communities in need, in Ontario, Alberta and BC.
These Grapes for Humanity charity wine auctions will be held October 12-18th, 2021 in partnership with Irongate Auctions and the Vancouver Club in B.C. featuring:
Grapes for Humanity Global in partnership with Christie’s will host a NYC auction later this fall.
Proceeds from these charitable, virtual wine auctions will support national and global organizations in the battle against the Climate Crisis alongside our long-standing support of global humanitarian projects to address poverty, and improve education, and health.
Grapes of Humanity Co-founder Tony Aspler says: “The international wine community and wine lovers around the world are known for their sense of community and generosity. Grapes for Humanity is pleased to sponsor these wine auctions and direct the funds raised to address the critical need to battle the immediate threat of climate change and its devastating effects - both of the global wine industry and the health of the planet in general.”
For further information, contact: Steven Campbell - Phone: 416 841 4101; Steven@Mercarilife.ca
* Grapes for Humanity is a national charity co-founded in 2001, by wine writer Tony Aspler CM and Arlene Willis that has raised millions of dollars for global humanitarian projects. The foundation held the first virtual charity wine auction in Ontario, fall of 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, to support the stricken hospitality sector. Canadian wines were highlighted in the auction including barrels of “Cuvée from the Heart” of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, blended by Thomas Bachelder from 37 wine makers from every Ontario wine making region.
Incredible bids on vintage wines, collectable rarities memorabilia including
Once-in-a-Lifetime experiences and guitars donated by
• Rock and Roll Hall of Famers
• Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush
Grapes for Humanity "Save Hospitality Fundraiser" virtual fine wine auction presented by Waddington's Auctioneers and Appraisers closed October 7th with an overwhelming global response. The auction had over 370 bids from Canada, UK, Hong Kong, Poland and USA, raising over half a million dollars for the hard-hit hospitality sector facing incredible strain due to COVID19.
Proceeds will directly benefit Ontario Hospitality front-line workers through the Toronto Restaurant Workers Relief Fund; the Bartender's Benevolent Fund; The Full Plate and independent Ontario restaurants through savehospitality.ca.
This special auction featured some of the world's finest and rarest wines, but also many lots of exceptional ready-to-drink wines from the finest wine regions. A specialty item of a dinner with Rock Hall of Famers Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush was the top bid, fetching a whopping $70,000. The Cuvée de Heart , a 2020 Pan-Ontario wine made by 37 Ontario wineries led by Winemaker, Thomas Batchelder was one of the coveted highlights that had a flurry of action in the final minutes of bidding.
"After years of enjoying their service, it was our turn to serve them," said Geddy Lee. "The Chefs, Sommeliers, Waitstaff, Delivery personnel, Farmers, Fisherman, Bakers and more whose livelihood has evaporated virtually overnight. We did this auction for them. I'm so thankful to everyone who donated items and time to the cause, and to the happy bidders who got some cool items and great wine but also raised money for such a good cause to support them."
Thank you to Waddingtons, Irongate Private Wine Management, Lifford Wine Agency, Vinifera Wine Services, Vintage Conservatory Canadian Association of Professional Sommerliers, Toronto Restaurant Workers Relief Fund, Bartender’s Benevolent Fund, SaveHospitality, The Full Plate, Château Latour, Domaine Tawse, Raymond Vineyards, Il Borro , Ata Rangi, Felton Road, and Penfolds. Plus special thanks to Steven Campbell, Thomas Bachelder and the wineries all across Ontario for contributing to the very special Cuvée de Heart.
A Grapes for Humanity Representative will be in contact with your invoice.
To submit payment, please have your paddle identification number, lot number and final hammer total ready for processing. Upon payment verification, you will receive pick up instructions for your lot.
Gift cards will be issued to successful bidders through Canada Post at a later date.
Important Note: Buyer's Premium and HST are NOT applied to the sale of these lots.
Proceeds will directly benefit Ontario hospitality front-line workers through:
The Toronto Restaurant Workers Relief Fund; the Bartender's Benevolent Fund;
and independent Ontario restaurants through savehospitality.ca.
For more information, please contact:
Doris Miculan Bradley
2dry@rogers.com
Watch Toronto's leading chefs go head to head competing for the title of King/Queen of Veg. Sample a dozen different veg dishes, accompaniments and the wines to match. Vote on your favourites and see if they are in line with our panel of culinary experts and celebrity judges. See if your palate is in sync with our team of Sommeliers who will determine the best wine matches.
We can't live on veg alone so there will be other food to enjoy including meats and sweets. Your support will benefit a child's education by supporting a needed school in Tanzania, Amani Children's Home, Rescuing Street Children. Restoring Hope. Transforming Lives. www.amanikids.org/who-we-are/
For more information,contact Doris Miculan Bradley
OJoe Canavan, a great supporter of Grapes for Humanity, invited eleven of his friends to join him at Barberian's Steak House on Elm Street, Toronto, for this fund-raiser dinner. The celebrity guests were Geddy Lee and Alex Liveson of Rush who regaled the company with stories of their touring and recording. The wine flowed…like wine and Barberian's owner, Arron Barberian pledged $2,000 to the cause: the construction of a new home for street kids in Moshi, Tanzania.
Blair Walter from Felton Road Winery and Board members from Left - Liz Gallery, Geddy Lee, Cathy Martin, Garrett Herman
On Monday, October 26th, 2015, Grapes for Humanity held an intimate dinner hosted by Gaia Gaja at George Brown's The Chef's House in Toronto. Following a champagne reception, graced by the presence of the Consul General of Italy, Giuseppe Pastorelli, Gaia led off with an eloquent presentation of the family's wineries in Piemonte and Tuscany. (The village of Barbaresco, where the Gaja family lives, has, apparently, 600 inhabitants and 100 wineries!)...
In recognition of the contribution that Geddy Lee has made to Grapes for Humanity, the Board of Directors, created a scholarship in his name, in perpetuity, for a second year student in winemaking at Niagara College. The recipient in 2015 was Christian Scagnetti, pictured here with Helen Armstrong, Niagara College Foundation Development Officer.
Grapes for Humaity Canada representative experience the Guatemala's Access Education Program...
