More Than a Rummage Sale!
It certainly was “more than a rummage sale!”
Again this year – thank you: we were blessed with your generous donations of great merchandise for our busy shoppers who visited on Friday night and Saturday morning. Thank you to the team of sextons who helped us set up tables in every room and worked so diligently all week. Thanks to dozens of tireless (well maybe, somewhat tired) volunteers every room displayed the gently used and new items in ways to engage our visitors. And we raised over $16,300 for our Mission and Service commitment to The United Church of Canada.
But there’s more…
Our visitors had a wonderful time shopping and for people struggling to make ends meet, our rummage sale provides good quality merchandise, attractively displayed, at very affordable prices. Here’s what one woman announced to the volunteers in the Housewares “department”: “I bless you and I bless this church. I was able to buy so many things at such reasonable prices. Thank you and bless you.”
Our rummage sale also embraces many cultures and ages and stages of life – welcoming volunteers and shoppers of all ages from many countries and faiths. Students from Etobicoke Collegiate (some returning from last year’s sale) earned community service hours and provided help in setting up rooms, selling merchandise, and helping shoppers carry out their purchases. Our greeter overheard one Muslim student telling a shopper how great the sale was for helping the church to do its work.
Another shopper complimented Islington on its friendliness and sense of fun. She said, “So many church people can be so grouchy, but here everyone is so friendly and nice. You’ve got the best church rummage sale around!”
Yes, it’s definitely “more than a rummage sale!” Thank you, everyone!
