You can buy a Gong campaign shirt for a measly $24,444.44 on eBay
Posted July 6, 2023 2:11 pm.
Last Updated July 6, 2023 2:12 pm.
Gong but not forgotten.
Fringe Toronto mayoral candidate, Xiao Hua Gong, continues to garner attention nearly two weeks after his failed bid for the city’s top job.
Gong’s name and face were first burned into the collective eyes of Torontonians after his team plastered the Big Smoke with his ubiquitous “Here to rescue Toronto” campaign signs.
Despite failing to sway the electorate via oversaturation, Gong once again made headlines when he demanded a recount after Olivia Chow was declared Toronto’s next mayor.
A 266,389 vote deficit didn’t deter the feisty one-time candidate, who tweeted: “We question this mayoral result and believe it’s crucial to ensure the voting was accurate and fair.”
The City Clerk certified the election results a day after his dubious request, dashing any hopes of a miraculous Gong mayoralty.
But the Gong legend was born, and now someone is trying to cash in on it.
On Wednesday, an astronomically-priced eBay auction of a Gong campaign shirt went live with a starting bid of $4,444.44 and a “Buy It Now” price of $24,444.44. Gong was the 44th candidate on the byelection ballots.
The auction went live on Wednesday just before 5 p.m. and has six days remaining.
So far, it has garnered 0 bids, but the seller, molly_858, seems hopeful.
“We saw the signs and loved them,” the seller wrote in the item description. “We felt the energy all over the city that was painted blue and yellow.
“Immortalize the rescue Toronto vibes and an unforgettable campaign by the one and only Gong #44 with this official campaign t-shirt. Never forget #44!”
“He will surely be our mayor in 4 years’ time; get your hands on this classic while you can!”
It’s unclear who the seller is or whether they are connected to Gong or his campaign team. CityNews reached out to Gong’s campaign manager and is awaiting a response.
