Garagellennium offers multiple benefits for community
Emma Prestwich
Greater Victoria’s greatest garage sale is back.
More than 100 homeowners and numerous community groups in Oak Bay will be hocking their wares this Saturday (June 11) for the 12th annual Garagellennium, the municipality wide used goods sale.
It’s an opportunity for thousands of bargain hunters to pull in their biggest bounties of the year and for funds to be raised for some worthwhile causes.
Residents have the opportunity to turn their trash into cash, clear some space and help the environment along the way, said event organizer Graham Lamb.
“We are on an Island and we have to think down the road,” he said. “We can’t just keep putting things in landfills … Everything has value to someone.”
The trend toward that value extending beyond personal profit continues to be strong. Already more than 20 per cent of participants registered have offered to donate their proceeds to non-profit organizations and charities.
One such organization, the Canadian College of Performing Arts, relies on Garagellennium as a fundraiser. Its students will not only be working the garage sale at 750 Island Rd., they’ll be providing entertainment.
“Students are going to be singing Broadway tunes,” CCPA spokesperson Steve Seltzer said. “Last year a group of people sang songs and we had people coming from every nook and cranny (to watch).”
The school raised more than $1,500 from the 2010 event. They hope to duplicate last year’s success and connect with the community along the way.
“We try to make sure we are a big part of Oak Bay (because of) all that Oak Bay does for us,” Seltzer said. “We try to give back as much as possible. This is just another way.”
The dual purpose of the school’s involvement in the event isn’t lost on CCPA student Alison Roberts, who will perform Saturday.
“I think it’s great for us, because part of the money is going towards the scholarship fund,” she said. “It makes it possible for students in financial troubles to attend the school to pursue what they want to do with their lives.”
Garagellennium happens from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A full list of addresses can be found in the Friday (June 10) edition of the Oak Bay News or online at www.oakbaygaragesale.com.