Virtual gala uses online auction to raise money for local recovery initiatives

Elizabeth Mabie
Spur Ottawa Correspondent

Doctors expect the COVID-19 restrictions to amplify issues of addiction and recovery. With limitations on how ministries can operate and fundraise, Carlington Booch is inviting Ottawa residents to “Booch the gap” at a virtual gala fundraiser.

Carlington Booch is a social enterprise that brews and sells kombucha (fermented tea). The “Booching the Gap” fundraiser will be livestreamed on YouTube, on June 4, at 7:30 p.m.

“‘Booching the gap’ is a term coined from our vision of helping revitalize communities by the restoration of people who suffer from addiction, and through awareness of addiction and mental health issues,” explains Jon Ruby, Pastor of Union City Church and co-founder of Carlington Booch.

The not-for-profit was founded by Union City Church and provides a supportive and educational space for recovering addicts to gain work experience and prepare for re-entry into the workforce. Proceeds from every bottle sold go towards helping local addiction support services.

“Addiction is rampant. It’s even worse now, due to COVID-19.” Photo courtesy of Carlington Booch.

“I’d love for a lot of people to show up for this gala,” says Jevin Maltais, a board member at Union City Church. “It’s fun, easy, no commitment. We have a lot of stories to share and it’s really short.”

The money raised during “Booching the Gap” will go towards the ministries that Union City Church supports, such as Jericho Road and the addiction-related programs that the church, itself, offers. The virtual gala will last one hour, with staff and volunteers talking about the ministry’s plans for the summer. There will also be a professional online auction, where attendees can win an array of impressive kombucha-related prizes.

“Addiction is rampant,” Maltais says. “It’s even worse now, due to COVID-19, so [the Booching the Gap gala] will sharing stories from people who are in this and fighting for their lives. Carlington Booch is really trying to give hope, as well as a way for recovering addicts to get back into the community and with an employer who understands addiction and all the challenges that come with it.”