Part charity auction, part speed dating is how Timeraiser Calgary organizer Stewart McDonough describes the event. “It is a three-part night. The first part is like speed dating for volunteers. People in their 20s and 30s will be able to meet with organizations and determine which organizations and opportunities fit for them. The second part is a silent auction, but instead of bidding cash for art, people bid volunteer hours. The third part,” he says, “is that it’s just a really great night.”

Many people in their 20s and 30s have a hard time finding meaningful volunteer experiences. Timeraiser provides opportunities where people make donations of time rather than money. “We want to encourage volunteerism within this demographic, whose time is much more valuable than the financial commitment they can make. Someone older may have more money to donate, but someone in their 20s or 30s has skills to contribute.”

From sitting on boards to event planning to helping with accounting, Timeraiser attendees match their skills and interests to the needs of 25 pre-screened agencies. “These are organizations that are able to follow through on their commitment to volunteers. And there’s a real mix in the volunteer organizations — everything from the Calgary Zoo to the Mustard Seed to Big Brothers.”

Once a potential volunteer has met with organizations, they browse the art auction — there are 25 pieces of art on auction, all by local and emerging artists. Corporate sponsors pay fair market value for the art and then donate it to the event. “It’s a great way to build the careers of local artists,” says McDonough. “Over the past three years in Calgary, $170,000 has been invested into the careers of artists.”

After selecting a piece, attendees bid. The minimum bid is 20 hours and the maximum is 150 hours. Volunteers have 12 months to complete their commitments.

The Calgary event will host 250 to 300 potential volunteers. The intent is to keep a manageable ratio, about 10 bidders for each organization, so people have enough time to meet with the groups they want to volunteer with.

The first Timeraiser took place in 2004 in Toronto, and there are plans for events in Vancouver and Ottawa, with a goal of launching the event in eight to 10 cities by 2010. The event is now in its third year in Calgary.

“Calgary is a perfect city for this kind of event,” says McDonough. “There’s a good sense of caring about the community and there are so many new Calgarians, young professionals who want to become engaged in their communities.”

Timeraiser Calgary takes place at Flames Central on June 19.