If you cast your memory back to March of 2020, when most of the world was in lockdown, can you remember what many people were doing with their spare time? Well, a question came to mind, where are all these people going to put their excess goods, treasures, books, pictures, crafts, etc.? At the former Parish of St. Monica's, Horseshoe Bay we had operated a Nifty Thrifty shop for quite a few years. The ‘shop’ was supported and frequented by the local community. The idea of reviving the ‘shop’ was brought to Parish Council at St. Francis-in-the-Wood, who agreed to give it a try.
Over the next five months, a wide variety of goods were collected with the first sale taking place in September of 2020. The idea at inception was that all monies raised would be sent to charities supported by the parish and not used for church operations. Since that date there have been thirteen sales, about four per year. If possible, the sales are scheduled for the first Saturday of the month from 10am-2pm. The total amount raised since September 2020 is $22,390.
So far $19,427 has been contributed to charities such as: The Street Outreach Initiative at St. James’, Vancouver, Foundry BC North Shore, SPCA, Backpack Buddies, PWRDF-Ukraine, North Shore Safe House and more.
These sale days bring the community together with a fun event that is staged with class! It is not a jumble sale.
The next sales at St. Francis-in-the-Wood are scheduled for May 5, September 16 and November 4. The sales are advertised through The Beacon, westvanbeacon.ca, a local paper produced by a St. Francis parishioner, Chris Stringer. Do come and visit the beautiful little church in the Caulfeild district of West Vancouver, 4773 South Piccadilly Road.
IMAGE
Christine O'Byrne and Karin Dunlop prepare the costume jewelry display for sale at Nifty Thrifty.
Photo: Chris Stringer