By Amy Looker
The 19th annual Australian Liquor Stores Association (ALSA) conference wrapped up on a high note last night, with an impromptu auction that raised a significant amount of money for charity.
Using stock generously donated by delegates and suppliers, conference attendees raised $8400 for Limbs4All, a New Zealand-based charitable trust established by keynote speaker, Mark Inglis, that provides artificial limbs, wheelchairs and assistance to disabled people around the world.
Some of the prizes auctioned off included 10 cases of Crown Lager, a case of Yalumba Menzies, a range of wines donated by Treasury Wine Estates, two bottles of Johnnie Walker Blue, rums donated by island2island, and a three-litre bottle of Jack Daniel's.
The auction itself raised $4200, which was very generously matched by De Bortoli Wines, bringing the grand total to $8400.
Mark Inglis presented to delegates on Monday morning, sharing stories of his time as a mountaineer, Paralympian and his ascent of Mount Everest as a double amputee.
He thanked delegates this morning via email and said that the funds raised would supply 25 people with wheelchairs.
With delegates heading home today, all are looking forward to the ALSA conference in 2013, which will be held at Wrest Point in Hobart, Tasmania, from 25 to 30 August.
For more information on ALSA 2013 and for early bird delegate packages, visit www.alsa.com.au.