The Rotary Club Annual Sale A Huge Success

Lorna Hamilton Reporter

The Vermilion Rotary Club Annual Garage Sale was held on April 27 and 28 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and April 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Vermilion Curling Rink West Door at the Vermilion Fair Grounds. This year’s sale was particularly meaningful, as it was held in memory of long-time Rotary Club member and the annual event Committee Chairperson, Brenda Lee, who passed away in February.

The event was a huge success, with a wide variety of items for sale, excluding clothing, TV’s or entertainment centres. The prices were reasonable as attendees were asked to make offers on items they were interested in purchasing, and many people came out to support the cause and find a bargain.

The first $5000 raised at the sale will go towards the New Flooring Project for the Vermilion Senior Centre, with the remaining proceeds being reinvested in the community, benefiting many facets of Vermilion and surrounding area. Profits from the sale supports: youth programs, sport activities, leadership opportunities, support and care for seniors, community infrastructure and cultural organizations.

The Vermilion Rotary Club Annual Garage Sale is an event that brings together the community in support of a good cause. It provides an opportunity for people to donate their gently used items, find a bargain, and connect with their neighbours.

The Rotary Club members, their spouses, family members, local youth partners, and Friends of Rotary take pride in organizing the sale each year, and the sense of camaraderie and community spirit is evident throughout the event.

Overall, the Vermilion Rotary Club Annual Garage Sale was a huge success.

The Rotary Club is grateful for the support they received and the many partners from Vermilion who contributed to the sales success such as: The Town of Vermilion, Vermilion Agricultural Society, Lakeland Mall and the Curling Club who all provided tables to receive and display the donated merchandise, as well the Vermilion Fire Department volunteers who help clean-up.

“I am amazed at the number of volunteers who also spend countless hours helping with the sale. They have spent in some instances days cleaning, organizing and setting up the donated items. This year we also had people volunteer who haven’t volun - teered with us for the sale before, and did so this year because it is in memory of our dear Rotary member Brenda Lee,” commented Committee Chair, Scott Webb.

The Rotary will once again be partnering with other organizations to disperse leftover items following the sale to ensure the community’s usable donations are shared with other nonprofit organizations.

Shoppers attending the sale could also support another local organization The Vermilion Heritage Museum by purchasing either a hamburger or a smokie and drink for $6.

Last year the organization raised $40,000 and this year they have surpassed the amount, raising a whopping total of $54,319.

Alma Squire (Goodbrand)

Alma Squire (Goodbrand) passed away on April 19, 2023, at the age of 88 years. She will be remembered by her children Anita Squire, Duane (Janice) Squire, Don (Martha) Squire, Dena (George) Watton, Jim (Judi) Squire, and Lorraine (Brent) Robinson; grandchildren Zachary (Lita), Jeremy (Robyn), Daniel (Nicole), Jesse (Karissa), Cody (Val), Sterling, Avigayil, Megan (Nels), Blair, Marina (Ben), Katya, Calina, James, Jared (Patty), Heidi (Isaac), and Annika; numerous great grandchildren; sisters Donna Goodbrand and Ruth (Dean) Rea; sisters in law Cynthia Goodbrand, Vera Beale, Rita Beecraft, and Shirley (Ed) Rosenau; brother in law Sam (Wilma) Squire; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives & friends.

She was predeceased by her husband Allan Squire; parents Donald & Mary Goodbrand; brother John Goodbrand; brothers in law Joe Boatmun, Irvin Squire, and Jim Beale; and sisters in law Lorna Squire and Rosemary Squire.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Vermilion Health Care Centre; a special acknowledgement to Martha for her extra touch of love and kindness; Reflections for their professional and caring service; the Elk Point Baptist Church congregation for their support and generosity; Shirley and the grandchildren who cared for Mom the last few months; friends and family for their support during the last few weeks.

A memorial service was held on Monday, April 24, 2023 at the Elk Point Baptist Church. Video of the service can be found within her online obituary at www.reflectionsfuneral.com

Memorial donations may be made to Shareword Global (previously Gideons) or a charity of one’s choice.