Thousands of collectibles and house wares were up for sale as the Vermilion Rotary Club held their 11th Annual Garage Sale at the Vermilion Curling rink from April 19 - 21. A large selection of furniture, yard tools, sports equipment, office supplies, appliances, hardware, pet items, toys, seasonal and miscellaneous items had also been donated knowing that the proceeds from this sale provide a great benefit to the community.
According to Brenda Lee, Rotary Garage Sale Chair, members had been committed working with spouses, friends of Rotary, and several volunteer organizations. Youth organizations included the Vermilion Dance Association, 4-H Outdoor Club, Kids Making A Difference Club, and Girl Guides.
“It was great to have their energy and young legs. With volunteers working since early April to collect donations and organize the sale, we’ve likely acquired 800 volunteer hours just for the preparations,” said Lee.
One of the Rotary’s major fundraisers, members committed the first $5,000 raised to go towards the Heritage Museum’s floor renovation project. The club’s most recent donation was $100,000 to the Lodge’s modernization project, and other donations include minor sports, the community oven, a gazebo, etc.
“There is no lack of opportunity to get behind local projects as the Rotary is involved already in school lunch and breakfast programs, putting defibrillators in public buildings, diagnostic equipment in our hospital, supporting youth sports and local infrastructure”! added Brenda Lee. Last year the sale supported the outdoor rink and tennis courts. Opening night had just under $16,000 in proceeds which topped their previous record opening by $8.00.
“We knew, just by the vast amount and quality of the donations we were receiving, that we were setting up for another most successful sale”, stated Brenda Lee. Last year, Rotary took in over $29,000 at their annual Garage Sale. She also said, “This project is so community driven and requires so many community partners, the Rotary Club commits all proceeds from this sale will be invested back into our community. This is a true community project”!
The items that were remaining will be shared with other organizations including, The Community Closet, Girl Guides, The Interval Store, St. Jerome’s Carnival, the Olive Tree, Canadian Diabetes, Friends of the Islay Care Centre, the Canine Action Project and Books for Belize.
“We’ve had lots of fun. The sale continues to grow each year because of the generosity of the community. We are so thankful for your donations and support, as well as to each of the volunteers,” said Lee.
