Jewellery is, as always, on the agenda at the annual Monterey bazaar. The big fundraising event generally features rooms filled with art and jewellery, two traditionally popular items during the annual affair leading up to Christmas.
“Jewellery, everybody loves jewellery,” said Maureen Hodgetts, among those who will sell the wares on behalf of the Oak Bay Seniors Activity Association during its Oak Leaves Bazaar.
“It sells, we have a whole room devoted to jewellery,” said association president Camille Wood, adding there’s an art gallery filled with Monterey members’ donated artwork and woodwork. “This is the time to kick off your Christmas shopping.”
The sale fills every nook and cranny of the Monterey Centre, where activities and classes are put on hold for the day. Entire rooms are devoted to jewellery and art. Roughly 150 volunteers sort and sell everything from books and other gently used items to the varied hand-crafted wares created by Monterey members throughout the year.
“It’s a fundraiser for Oak Bay Seniors Activity Association,” said Wood, also the bazaar co-ordinator.
Last year OBSAA spent nearly $24,000 on musical equipment, office necessities, furniture and more.
“All of this just enhances the centre,” said Gail Hughes, association treasurer. “There are other things coming up like the Christmas luncheon for our members.”
OBSA also offers membership bursaries.
“We’re also contributing toward special events and trips for members,” Wood said.
Hundreds of people tend to come through the doors and unlike the rummage sale held in the spring, where most anything goes, the bazaar doesn’t carry sporting goods, clothing, computers or luggage.
Donations can be dropped off Oct. 17 through Oct. 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at Monterey Recreation Centre.
Aside from ever-popular jewellery, they hope to see donations of knitwear, art and frames, books CDs plants Christmas decor, puzzles and games, attic treasures, and other white elephant items.
The annual bazaar is Saturday, Oct. 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1442 Monterey Ave.