Celebrity Baggage charity auction items to be up for bids online in support
of MDAO

Bidders can score one-of-a-kind personal "baggage" items from Canadian celebrities

TORONTO , Feb. 2 /CNW/ - Starting this Sunday, February 7th , online bidders eager to own one-of-a-kind celebrity items will have ten days to bid on a range of well-loved personal "baggage" donated by Canadian celebrities in support of the Mood Disorder Association of Ontario (MDAO). Among the signed Celebrity Baggage items up for auction are a hockey bag from Canadian hockey legend Paul Coffey , guitar case from The Sound of Music Toronto cast, CD case from Blue Rodeo and handbags from CBC personality Shelagh Rogers and Grammy Award-winning singer Anne Murray .

All proceeds generated by the online sales will go to benefit MDAO, a not for-profit organization dedicated to providing support and outreach to people with mood disorders through a diverse range of programs and initiatives. MDAO seeks to raise awareness of the prevalence of mood disorders, informing and educating the public and encouraging compassion and empathy.

"We're thrilled with the generosity of the celebrities who see the value in the work that MDAO does," says Karen Liberman , Executive Director of MDAO. "This initiative is a great way to raise funds for MDAO while reminding Canadians of how common mood disorders are and the profound impact they have on the lives of so many individuals and their loved ones."

"What a great way to raise awareness and support for mood disorders. It's cheeky and practical. And it will help because we all have baggage," says Shelagh Rogers, CBC Radio One host and Celebrity Baggage donor who has contributed a signed handbag for auction.

For more information, a detailed list of celebrity items and instructions on how to bid, please visit www.celebritybaggage.com.

MDAO has served people with mood disorders in Ontario for over 24 years. It is a not-for profit, self-help organization that works with its members, volunteers, other mental health groups, and mental health professionals to create an open, responsive, inclusive community. MDAO's vision is that people affected by mood disorders are treated with care, compassion, respect and equity.

EDITOR'S NOTE: A range of high-resolution item images are available upon request for publication.

For further information: Media contact: Donna Turner, Marketing and Communications, [phone] ext. 232, [email protected]