10:00 AM EDT
02:00 PM EDT
About Our Auction
Welcome to the 2026 Firecracker Department Fundraising Auction!
What started as a podcast has become a movement.
In 2017, actor and improvisor Naomi Snieckus launched the Firecracker Department Podcast with a simple goal: amplify the voices of female and non-binary artists. That conversation struck a chord — and it didn't stop there.
Today, the Firecracker Department is a thriving community built to help creatives connect, learn, and take real action on their work. What began as a single podcast has grown into a full ecosystem of support. A monthly Comedy Café, scriptwriting and creativity workshops, mentorship programs, and the Annual Artist's Way Workshop are among the most notable but new ideas are coming up for more community events all the time.
Our once-small TIFF Brunch has expanded into Fall Film Fest Brunches held across three Canadian cities every September. We honor standout voices in our community through the Blaze Award and the Trailblazer Award. In 2024 we partnered with the Canadian Film Festival to launch Igniter, a national comedy film contest.
Here in Toronto — where it all began — that growth is something we get to witness first hand. From those first podcast recordings to sold-out brunches and packed workshops, this chapter has become a home base for artists ready to be bold, be heard, and be supported. Let your firecracker flag fly proudly!
Behind every program, event, and initiative is a massive network of people bringing their fullhearted selves, experience, expertise, and desire to empower the future of female and non-binary artists. This community of creators and supporters makes everything we do possible!
Every donation made through this silent auction directly fuels our mission. Your contributions support:
- Operational costs that keep our programming accessible and impactful
- Scholarships that remove barriers and open doors for emerging creators
- Content creation that amplifies even more Firecracker voices
Bidding Period:
- Starts: August 15th at 10:00 AM EST
- Ends: September 13th at 2:00 PM EST
This year, our auction is getting the celebrated countdown it has always deserved!
We’ll be counting down the last few seconds of the auction at the brunch itself. It’ll be like New Year’s Eve but the only thing being dropped is your winnings into a bag to take it home with you!
At 2pm on September 13th, the winning bidders will be notified and you’ll be able to pay (in person at the brunch) for your winning bids!
- For physical items: you’ll be able to take them home with you after payment.
- For digital items: we’ll provide you with the numbered certificate or connect you to the company itself for redemption.
Ready to bid? Let the sparks fly!
About Firecracker Department
Firecracker Department started as a podcast and has grown into an international community of artistic women and non-binary people empowering each other to take creative action through positivity, education, support and by providing a platform for our voices and stories.
Your support of our auction helps fund our initiatives throughout the year! We are so grateful for your support!!
