United Way West Central Manitoba is preparing to host its Largest Indoor Garage Sale tomorrow (Saturday, May 3rd), at the Canad Inns Portage Curling Club. Running from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the event aims to attract thousands of shoppers while raising funds for vital community programs.
Megan Romphf, the Community Engagement Coordinator explains the idea for the sale didn’t originate in Portage. Instead, it was inspired by a long-running event in Brandon.
“This originated in Brandon. They've been doing it for many years. I think 10 years or so and we kind of adopted it here,” notes Romphf.
Indoor event draws crowds—rain or shine
The event is relatively new to Portage however it has quickly become a community favourite, with last year’s sale drawing enthusiastic crowds.
“Last year, we had over 2000 people come through the door and we had over 60 vendors. I mean, who doesn't want to go indoors so it doesn't matter if it's raining, sleeting or snowing, because we've seen that in May and April,” continues Romphf. “It's just kind of a no-brainer and people love a garage sale; they love to find a deal. So that's why we brought it to Portage.”
This year’s event is set to match the scale of last year’s with roughly 60 vendors planned to be in attendance. This time, nonprofit organizations will also be present.
“We also have some nonprofit organizations who are going to have some tables and to give out some information about their programs that are coming up such as Portage Youth Hub. We also have the Bear Clan joining us. They're one of our partner agencies that United Way invests in every single year.”
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Proceeds stay in the community
There is a $3 admission fee to enter the sale, which directly supports local agencies.
“At United Way, we currently support eight local agencies. There are so many great different organizations that we support. So, that $3 directly goes back to support our local community.”
For kids under 12, however, admission is totally free.
Chelsey Denser, Office Coordinator, says attendees can also bring in gently used winter coats to donate as part of United Way’s seasonal coat drive.
“Our Coats for Kids and Seniors collection starts tomorrow,” says Denser. “We'll have a collection bin at our garage sale. So, if you want to bring your gently used coats to the garage sale, you're more than welcome to.”
Denser explains spring cleanouts are a perfect time to contribute.
“We try to get as many of those gently used coats as we can in the springtime because that’s when everyone is putting that stuff away for the year. Now is the time to donate them if they’re too small on your kids or yourself.”
Local sponsors help make it happen
United Way West Central Manitoba credit local sponsors for making the event and its impact possible.
“Without the support of our sponsors, like Dino's Appliance and Mattress Centre and The Studio on Sask, we couldn't do it,” says Romphf.
As the United Way prepares for another successful event, Romphf emphasizes that the true impact lies in the organization's unwavering commitment to local support.
“We love to invest in our community. The proceeds from events like this all go back to supporting the community. We take nothing for our operations, so 0 per cent goes back to United Way,” adds Romphf. “Everything goes back into the community.”