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By Liam Verster

40th Annual Dream Auction

Kalamalka Rotary Facebook page hacked, but Dream Auction still going forward

Oct 23, 2024 | 1:03 PM

The 40th annual Dream Auction has faced a setback as the Kalamalka Rotary Facebook page has been hacked.

The organization’s page, which is typically used to promote events and engage supporters, now features inappropriate photographs and content.

The hacking occurred just ahead of the 40th annual Dream Auction, a milestone event in the club’s history, and a cornerstone fundraiser for the organization.

“We are devastated,” Faith Wood, chair of Kal Rotary Dream Auction, said.

“The Dream Auction is not only a celebration of 40 years of giving but also a lifeline for the many projects we support. With our Facebook page now compromised, we’re struggling to reach the community and share important information and updates about the event.”

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The organization said it had tried to contact Facebook and Meta, but they had yet to receive any meaningful responses, and the lewd content remained up on the page with no way to take it down.

With the Facebook page compromised, Kalamalka Rotary asks the public to spread the word about the Dream Auction through other channels, such as word of mouth. Community members were also asked to report the hacked social media page.

Though the Facebook page remains unusable, Kalamalka Rotary said it’s moving along with the Dream Auction, which supports a range of initiatives by using the proceeds to provide scholarships, support local development projects, and back international humanitarian efforts.

“We hope the community will come together to help us achieve success at this year’s event,” Wood said.

Updates and details about the Dream Auction can still be found at the Kalamalka Rotary Club’s website.