By: Blair Qualey
Each spring, members of British Columbia’s new car dealer community come together in a unique and powerful way in support of an incredibly worthy cause. The Auction for Athletes, presented by the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC in partnership with Special Olympics BC, is more than just a fundraiser. It’s a celebration of community, inclusion, and the transformative power of sport.
For man than 40 years, the Auction for Athletes has become one of our most enduring and inspiring initiatives. Through the generosity of dealers, business partners, and bidders across the province, this online auction has raised over $6.2 million to date in support of Special Olympics BC. These funds help make year-round, accessible sport programs possible for thousands of athletes with intellectual disabilities across British Columbia. Programs that provide not just opportunities to train and compete, but to build confidence, friendships, and lifelong skills.
This year’s Auction for Athletes runs April 7 to 10, 2025, and will feature an exciting lineup of items, experiences, and services to bid on, including new cars and electronics to autographed memorabilia, sporting goods, gift cards, and more! As always, 100% of net proceeds support the cause, thanks to the hard work and dedication of our participating dealers and the Special Olympics BC team. It’s a chance for all of us to rally together, give back, and make a real difference in the lives of some truly remarkable individuals.
What began as a simple commitment to support youth and sport has grown into one of the strongest partnerships of its kind in the country. It’s a relationship built on shared values: inclusion, determination, community spirit, and the belief that everyone deserves a chance to thrive.
As president of the NCDA, I am continually inspired by the athletes who benefit from these programs. They remind us that sport is about more than medals and records — it’s about joy, teamwork, resilience, and pride. To our dealer members, I encourage you to participate, donate, and promote this year’s auction in your networks. Every bid helps ensure that athletes across the province continue to have access to life-changing sport and community programs.
Let’s come together again this spring to show what makes our industry so special: our drive to make a difference, not just in business, but in the lives of those who need it most.
Visit www.auctionforathletes.com for more information.
Together, we can ensure the next generation of Special Olympics BC athletes continue to shine, grow, and inspire us all.
Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected].
