Online auction puts possessions of celebs under the hammer to raise funds

When environment consultant Ann Anra started the company Wasted Solutions, she wanted to promote a circular economy by focussing on reducing and reusing things. Recently, she got a call from Arpanam Trust seeking financial assistance for families in Perumbakkam Housing Board. Ann decided to do something innovative and launched a campaign called The Rebirth Collective through which she auctions the possessions owned by celebrities and raise funds to help families tide through COVID-19.

“Through The Rebirth Collective campaign, we breathe life to old and second-hand products in different categories including fashion, utility and decor. We will be auctioning previously-owned products by celebrities like actors, musicians and sportspersons. The first actor to join the campaign is Nithya Menen, who will be auctioning her custom-made Lakme Fashion Week dress by designed by Kaveri. We have started the first auction on Sunday and it will end on Wednesday,” says Ann.

Every Thursday, the organisers will announce the details about the item that will go for auction on Wasted Solutions’ Instagram account. “The auction will go live on Instagram at 4 pm on Sundays and will close on Wednesdays at 9 pm. The base price of the product will be one-third of the original cost and the highest bidder will get a 24-hour time to make the payment. We are planning to go ahead with the campaign for the next few months until we raise the money required to support those families,” she shares.