An eBay auction of just four of Justin Bieber’s personal belongings from his childhood recently raised $74,000 (CAD) for Stratford House of Blessing in the pop star’s hometown — a Toronto Maple Leafs ceiling light, comforter and pillow case, plus his Nike shoes. All were autographed by the 20-year-old when he was home for Christmas.
The size 7 Nike Jordan Flight 45 high-top white khaki shoes — worn by Bieber in 2010 with the scuff marks and wear and tear to prove it — brought in the bulk of the funds with a winning bid of $62,000. The auction ran from Jan. 31 to Feb. 7.
All items came with a certificate of authenticity, signed by Bieber’s grandmother, Diane Dale, who witnessed her grandson signing them. There is also a photo of a young Bieber in the Leafs-decorated room on the bed, leaning against the pillow, and another on the RE/MAX realty site showing the room as-is.
The money will be put towards Stratford House of Blessing’s various programs for people in need, including providing food and clothing to household items, baby necessities and school supplies.
“When Justin and his mother Pattie Mallette were in need, Stratford House of Blessing was able to help them,” executive director Theresa McMurray said in a statement. “We are so pleased that they thought of us and wanted to give back to their community.
“We see a constant increase in the number of people who need our support and experience the rising costs of running our programs and services. We thank Justin Bieber and his family for ensuring that we can continue to help people when they need it through this incredible donation.”
Fans had reached out to Bieber’s family to purchase things from Bieber’s room after his grandmother put her three-bedroom house on Willow Street up for sale this past November. He didn’t live there as a child, but had his own room that has been preserved (see photo in listing). The house is still on the market for $274,900.
“Stratford House of Blessing is overjoyed to use these funds to continue doing the works they do,” it says in the press release issued by the charity.
“They are most known as a food bank, providing emergency food to people in need. But they do so much more. They provide clothing and footwear for every season, furniture for their homes and their children, household items such as tea kettles, dishes and linens. Their children’s resources include diapers, formula, backpacks filled with supplies and a new outfit for school, healthy school snack packs, and access to sports funding. At Christmastime they give mom and dad a chance to come and choose gifts for their children.
“Parents benefit from life skill courses including Cooking on a Budget and individual budget counselling; classes that help them improve their situation. Expecting mothers come to use their confidential services that include free pregnancy tests, emotional support and encouragement, maternity clothes, baby layettes and opportunities to visit with our on-site Public Health nurse. They provide referrals to other community services that will help people along their journey.”
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