If you’re looking to get rid of household items, tools, books, clothing, appliances, sporting goods and electronics, a Port Coquitlam church parish wants your leftovers.
This weekend — and next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday — Our Lady of Assumption Parish will accept new and gently used donations for its biggest fundraiser of the year: The 35th fall fair that runs Nov. 16 at its Shaughnessy Street campus.
Dozens of parishioners are involved in making the milestone event a success, whipping up baked goods, knitting clothing and organizing the garage sale and silent auction.
In fact, the fair is now so big it has spread to the parish centre building and school to accommodate the demand from the 2,000-plus shoppers and families looking for fun.
Head co-ordinator Julie Lee told The Tri-City News the fair yields up to $17,000, with proceeds going to pay down the mortgage of the new church, and its maintenance.
Still, it’s not just about bringing in the bucks, she said. “We are very much geared for community building,” Lee said, noting Assumption students are charged with some baking and running the games while the Knights of Columbus host a tail gate BBQ.
And for shoppers looking for a bite, the church will serve an authentic Filipino lunch made up of Lumpia (spring rolls), pandit (noodles) and pandesal (bread rolls).
“We offer an experience of love,” said bake room co-ordinator Catherine Bowen. “We have a lot of fun making the fair joyful. Everybody pulls together for this cause.”
Admission is free to the Nov. 16 fall fair that runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Our Lady of Assumption Parish (3141 Shaughnessy St., Port Coquitlam). For pickup of garage sale and silent auction prize donations, call 778-879-5366 for information.
