OXFORD – A Chinese Auction will be held this weekend at the Oxford American Legion Post to raise funds for the Destiny Equine Center, a non-profit animal rescue located at 904 Hoben Road in Oxford. Doors will open for the event at 8 a.m. on Saturday, with drawings beginning at 10 a.m.

According to the organization’s founder, Michele Delorenzo, those who attend the event will have an opportunity to bid on more than 35 items, most of which have been donated by local business. A bake sale and 50/50 raffle will take place during the event as well.

“All profits go to help the horses,” said Jo Kline, who sits on the non-profit’s board of directors.

According to Delorenzo, the event is the first major fundraising effort for the non-profit animal rescue, which is dedicated to providing a “ ‘new destiny’ for equine and farm animals that are in need of rescue, rehabilitation or retirement.”

The rescue, located at 904 Hoben Road in Oxford, is currently home to 25 horses and an assortment of other farm animals including sheep, goats, chickens, pigs and cows. All of animals have found their way into Delorenzo’s care from places where their owners couldn’t or wouldn’t care for them, she explained.

According to Delorenzo, the organization is in need of more than just monetary donations.

“We are in desperate need of fostering homes,” she explaining, describing a blind mare and her colt she is currently boarding at another location.

Volunteers are also needed, she added, to groom and work with the horses, particularly in the spring and summer months.

Destiny Equine is also seeking donations of lumber, metal roofing and scrap building materials. Delorenzo said she would even be willing to haul away scrap metal or even junk cars for those trying to clean up their yards for spring.

For more information on Destiny Equine Center, contact Delorenzo at 227-1515.