The MRBA is once again hosting its annual fundraising auction, but this year is taking a different approach. With an aim of spreading joy and lifting spirits, this year’s auction will be centred around the International Day of Happiness on 20th March. Keen to bring optimism to others, the MRBA is hoping the donated auction items will bring a smile to the recipients’ faces.
Several of the MRBA’s supporters have already volunteered to take part, including Respondi, Motif, Sample Answers and Keen as Mustard. A variety of items will be available to bid on, from tickets to industry events, to flower subscriptions and jewellery. The MRBA welcomes further donations; item suggestions include event tickets, gift hampers, and accessories.
The auction will be held via online platform 32 auctions and items will be available to bid on from 9th-30th March 2021.
All proceeds will go to the MRBA which will in turn help researchers in need. Last year’s auction raised £5,300 which went towards helping those in the industry who were experiencing real financial hardship. The money raised will help people who have worked in insights in three principal ways. Financially (paying bills, rent, council tax, mortgages, food shops, providing grants and interest-free loans); educationally (bursaries for those wishing to study for the MRS Advanced Certificate in Market and Social Research Practice); and to support mental health (by funding mental health support services).
Ian Brace, Chairman of MRBA says, “Now more than ever, the industry needs a boost in morale as we enter Springtime with uncertainty of the future. The ‘Donate a Smile’ auction will be focused on raising spirits, as well as fundraising for those in need.”
