There’s a special place reserved for those who gift a unique skill which is central to their livelihood towards the greater benefit of the community they have called home since birth.
Founded by the late Bill Rusland, Rusland’s Auctions inevitably saw his son Rob come into the fold. Come 1991 the PCVS grad, with his wife Jackie, took the reins completely, with auctions at the Evinrude Centre and their Queensway location a staple over the following years, as well as estate sales.
In 2016, recognizing the growing popularity of online shopping, Rusland’s Auctions transitioned to an exclusively online model. That was followed, in 2020, by the completion of a new warehouse which is home to both Rusland’s Auctioneers and Appraisers, and Chemong Storage.
Over the years, Rusland’s donation of his auctioneering skills to the benefit of charitable organizations and causes remains nothing short of remarkable. It’s estimated that his volunteer efforts have brought in millions of dollars for those on the receiving end of his selfless contributions.
His gifted talent has benefitted the Peterborough Humane Society, the New Canadians Centre, Hospice Peterborough, the Canadian Canoe Museum, Habitat for Humanity, the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation, Community Living, Community Care, the Peterborough and District Sports Hall Fame Golf Tournament, Pink in the Rink in partnerhip with the Peterborough Petes and, back in the day, Peterborough’s Festival of Trees.
Rusland’s philanthropy hasn’t gone unnoticed, and rightly so.
In 2007, nominated by the Learning Disabilities Association of Peterborough, Rusland received the Volunteer Services Award. The following year saw the United Way’s Scholfield Award of Community Distinction come his way, and, for his work ensuring the success of local Rotary events, he was named a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International – the highest honour bestowed by the service club.
Rusland played a crucial role in securing a buyer for the historic collection of Roy Studio Images, and subsequently facilitated its donation to the City of Peterborough. In addition, he assisted in the securing of a $1 million donation to the Peterborough Family YMCA – a direct result of his childhood friendship with Research In Motion (Blackberry) co-founder Jim Balsillie. As a certified personal property advisor, Rusland remains the official appraiser for the Peterborough Museum and Archives.
Blessed with a fine sense of humour, Rusland has brought joy to all his efforts on behalf of countless organizations and causes. Therein lay yet another gift – that of his unique personality, which he willingly shares to the betterment of the city that clearly holds a very special place in his heart.