(CHAT News File Photo)

By Chris Brown

Goal was $5,000

More than $200,000 raised for HALO in online auction

Jun 22, 2020 | 2:47 PM

An online auction for HALO Air Ambulance has come to an end, with an unofficial final tally of $213,018 raised.

The Facebook fundraiser was started by Nicole Viste, owner of The Bunkhouse in Hanna, Alta.

Bids closed on June 18.

“My plan was something local to the Special Areas and my goal was $5000,” Viste wrote in a Facebook post in the group on Monday. “The shock value of what this turned into still has me blown away, and I honestly want zero credit. The pat on the back belongs to all of you that shared, donated and bid to make this what it was!”

Viste is asking for patience as she and her helpers work through the notification and payment process. Full details are available on the group page.

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The auction started in May after the air ambulance service revealed it was days away from ceasing operations due to lack of funding.

Meanwhile, organizers of Help HALO Weekend earlier this month raised $30,476, exceeding its goal of $25,000.