Two Steinbach businessmen are rallying community support for families and churches in Cuba as worsening conditions deepen an already critical need.

Rob Funk and Harv Barkman have spent more than a decade building relationships with pastors and congregations in Cuba, providing everything from study Bibles to building materials.

Now, with food shortages and fuel prices soaring, they are organizing an expanded fundraising auction in hopes of engaging the community and increasing their impact.

In partnership with Penner Auctions, the pair are collecting donated items to be sold at auction.

“We’re asking if you have any items at home that you’re not using. It could be big, it could be small. If you would like to donate it, it would help us raise money for Cuba,” Funk says.

With Penner Auctions waiving its commission fees in support of the cause, 100 per cent of the proceeds will go directly to their work in Cuba. The first auction featuring donated items is expected to run in April, with additional items added to future monthly sales if donations continue.