The organizer of the biggest garage sale in Greater Victoria is looking to replace himself.
Graham Lamb took over organizing Garagellennium in 2008 from Paul Redchurch (who had returned after a stint as the original organizer).
“I’m a big fan of reusing, recycling. It was a great way to give back to the community,” he said.
Hot on the heels of the 15th annual eventin June, he hopes some “new blood and fresh eyes” will take on the role.
“Maybe there’s somebody else out there who might want to give it a shot,” he said.
Although ready to give up the reins, Lamb is still full of ideas, such as a new organizer might consider a poster contest, forgoing the now iconic hula girls that have become associated with the event for years.
Since its inception, the event has gone from coupon-clipping to online registration and a website. The first year, said Redchurch, he and his Knights of Columbus cohorts went around delivering posters to the households that registered. It was supposed to be a one-off.
“I don’t think we realized it would be so popular,” he said.
Now registrants get listed in the Oak Bay News, an online special through usedvictoria.com and listed at oakbaygaragesale.com which also includes maps.
“I brought it in to the internet age and created a website,” said Lamb.
While looking to add fresh blood, Lamb sees the value of the largest garage sale that he says takes 15 to 20 hours of his time each year.
“It’s a great way for neighbours to get to know neighbours,” Lamb said. “It’s also a good way for people to raise money. There have been dozens of charities that have benefitted over the years.”
Anyone interested in taking over the event can visit oakbaygaragesale.com to email Lamb (and see the hula girls poster).
“You’ve got to be into the recycling and reusing because that’s what it’s all about,” he said.