The Peak

“Paid date” beats all-time record at dating auction

By Kelly Thoreson

Despite being the first day of snowfall of the spring semester, students managed to fight the cold and flock to Convocation Mall last Wednesday in order to be a part of the Canadianized Asian Club’s (CAC) seventh annual Dating Auction for Charity.

The 12 dates, consisting of eight females and four males, were shown off through posted profiles, interviews, and games — and then were put up for auction. Successful bidders, which were mainly students, received a date with their “prize” at the Edge Social Grille and Lounge as well as tickets to the dating auction after party at Bar None nightclub last Friday.

Bids could be made in person, over the phone, or through a CAC exec, and payment could even be transacted by credit card, therefore ensuring that donating would be as simple as possible. All proceeds are going to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Bidding was sluggish at first, with the opening date being sold for under $100. However, within the first round of bidding, the CAC’s all-time record of $800 was broken with a bid of $900.

At this point, the crowd had ballooned with students giggling, cheering, and desperately attempting to warm themselves. The event appeared to be a success with students both enjoying themselves and donating to the cause.

Emily Rousseau, a third-year Health Science student claimed, “I think [the event] is great. I mean, they’re fundraising for cancer. And how often do we really have events at SFU anyway, right?”

Dates and bidders alike claimed that they were participating largely because the proceeds are going to charity but also admitted that they were getting involved to have fun.

Powin Lau, a first-year Health Science student, confessed that she was primarily bidding on Sascha, a fifth-year Business Administration student, in order to support the Canadian Cancer Society but also because “he’s pretty hot.” However, like most of the participants, Lau didn’t have any romantic expectations for her potential date.

This year, the CAC broke its all-time record for donations, bringing in $5172.74. The previous record, which was made in 2009, was $3385.35.