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Two charities will benefit by tens of thousands of pounds after the Guernsey Puffin Parade came to a close with a successful auction.
Each of the 60 Puffins which were involved in this summer's event were put up for auction last night.
John Randall was in charge of the sales, with all of the money raised being split between the GSPCA and Autism Guernsey.
St Pierre Park hosted the auction with each of the 60 puffins brought to the hotel so buyers could choose the one they wanted to bid on.
Steve Byrne of the GSPCA said thousands of people had taken an interest in the Puffin Parade with many visiting the puffins before they were sold.
“The Guernsey Puffin Parade has been such an incredible event for both the GSPCA and Autism Guernsey," he said.
His charity - the Guernsey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is celebrating its 150th anniversary while Autism Guernsey is a relatively youthful ten years old.
Steve said the Puffin Parade and auction was "an incredible way to celebrate" the work of both charities while funding their future services.
“There are so many to thank and despite being a long day from getting them all in place to the auction we really couldn’t believe how amazing we have been supported," Steve said after the auction.
“Seeing all 60 in one place was so amazing. John Randall was an incredible auctioneer and not only did we sell out tickets for the event we managed thanks to St Pierre Park to fit a few extras in."
Those eager bidders paid between £700 and £3,500 for each puffin with just short of £100,000 donated in total with a raffle, quiz and photograph competition included.
Mandy Rowlinson from Autism Guernsey was thrilled with the final total.
"Thank you so much John Randall for doing such a fantastic job as auctioneer, together with all the volunteers who helped to make this evening a great success.”
Steve said prize winners for the raffle, quiz and the puffin app will be contacted directly and he is expecting to see some of the puffins continuing their 'parade' on display around the island at private dwellings or outside businesses.
“We had commission bids as far as England but we believe all (of the puffins) will be staying within the Bailiwick and the funds raised will help do so much for both charities.
“I’m sure there will be more to come but one final thank you for now and please do contact GSPCA or Autism Guernsey if you can support us in any way, thank you.”
Steve is hoping that once any final donations are made and counted the total will reach £100,000 - it currently stands at £98,200. Donations can be made directly to either the GSPCA or Autism Guernsey.
Pictured top: Some of the Puffins (Autism Guernsey).
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