Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sarnia Lambton recently held their 44th annual Show & Sale at Northern Collegiate in Sarnia. The weekend long event saw over 4,000 shoppers coming through the schools doors and 125 vendors showcasing their goods and services.
Show & Sale event coordinator Jackie Vandenbroek, said the success of this year’s event was due, in part, to the events new location.
“Northern turned out to be an awesome fit for us. We, as well as the vendors and shoppers were more than pleased with this new venue. From the location, appearance, accessibility, staff and custodial staff, everything and everyone was just so accommodating. The cooperation we received from everyone was first rate! It was a real privilege to have been hosted by Northern and we are truly grateful for all the support we received. We would be remise if we did not also mention the much appreciated assistance received from Community Use of Schools, that helped put everything into motion and directed us with all of the details. To everyone involved, please accept our most sincere thanks.”
The organization, which does not receive any government funding, relies on fundraisers, like their annual Show & Sale. All funds raised stay in Sarnia Lambton and allow them the ability to continue to provide multiple mentoring programs to 800 plus local youth annually.
“We are extremely grateful that we were approved for a grant through the Ministry of Education Community Use of Schools, which in turn allowed the school board to provide the use of Northern to us at no charge for the rental of the school as well as for the custodial costs incurred. As a not for profit, charitable organization it is very important to us to have positive relationships with other community businesses and organizations who can provide us with support and very generously share resources with us, just as we have received from the school board.”
CLASS is pleased that our Community Use of Schools department was able to secure a successful home for this years Show & Sale and that we could further support Big Brothers Big Sisters by utilizing the Provincial grant to fully subsidize this important community event!