It took almost 30 volunteers but the work paid off for the OAPO clothing and garage sale April 26 and 27 in Williams Lake.
“We made $5,000,” said OAPO president Tina Derksen Tuesday. “We were busy both days. Usually Saturdays are quieter, but amazingly it was not this year.”
Sometimes the cleanup can be a “gong show,” but it went like clockwork this year and afterwards the volunteers patted themselves on the success by gathering at the pub for a drink and some appies.
Behind the sales at the Seniors Activity Centre, is a three-pronged approach, Derksen noted.
Donations come from families going through the “heart-wrenching” process of cleaning out the homes of loved ones.
Secondly, seniors wanting to downsize or de-clutter have a place to donate.
Finally, the sale is also for low-income residents in the community who cannot afford to buy clothes.
“They can come in and buy a pair of pants for $2 and have their dignity,” Derksen said. “We try to keep focused on that.”
Derksen said the OAPO is in the process of becoming one entity with the Seniors Activity Centre board after operating as two separate groups for many years.
There will be an annual general meeting held Thursday, May 23 at 1 p.m. to go over the amalgamation.
All members are encouraged to attend the meeting.
“We think by working together we will all be pulling the wagon in the same direction,” Derksen said, chuckling.
READ MORE: Williams Lake seniors group hosts BCOAPO provincial convention
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