GARAGE SALE TO BENEFIT PROJECT SHARE'S COMMUNITY WORK

ORGANIZER HOPES EVENT THIS MONTH MOTIVATES OTHERS TO HOST THEIR OWN SALES TO SUPPORT THE CHARITY

Garage sale aficionados and people who simply like to help those in need have a chance to snap up some great deals while helping to ensure people in Niagara Falls don't go hungry, by showing up at a garage sale this month.

Jim Andrew, who has long volunteered to help vulnerable people, will host the event at his home at 6914 Brian Cres. on June 25 and he's hoping it will help to keep food stocked on the shelves of the emergency food bank operated by Project SHARE.

That agency, like other operators of food banks in Niagara, is seeing huge numbers of people being forced to turn to it for help to ensure there's food on the table.

Andrew hopes that by hosting a garage sale for the charitable agency, he might inspire others in the city to follow suit in the days and months to come.

"I think it might get something started," he said. "That's my way of thinking: You might get others to think about doing it. You never know where this might go."

Word was already getting out about his idea, and Andrew said folks started showing up at his house with items to donate to the sale. One person donated a

men's left-handed golf set with an upscale leather bag, and another donated a

women's right-handed set.

"I'm getting a lot of people donating stuff," he said. "I have more coming this week."

His garage was already filled with numerous items to be sold, from lamps and a brand new George Foreman roaster, to a brand new pressure cooker and golf balls.

"There's a little bit of something for everyone," said Andrew.

Andrew plans to also host a barbecue at the event, selling peameal on a bun or jumbo hotdogs, along with a bottle of water for $5. He's also holding a draw for four tickets for multiple attractions on Clifton Hill, with three tickets for $5.

There will also be a draw for a number of Beatles memorabilia items such as framed artwork with photos, old 45 vinyl records and concert tickets, as well as wireless headphones. Tickets for that are three for $5, or nine for $10.

For 13 years Andrew cooked meals on Saturday evenings for the Out of the Cold program, which helps people experiencing homelessness, at a former church in the city. "One time I did about 126 meals," he said.

He said it's important to help those in need, and said Project SHARE is doing just that with people having trouble making ends meet.

"They do lots of work for people in unfortunate situations," he said. "It's really important to give back."

The garage sale, which will also feature a bake table, will run from 8 a.m. to late afternoon.

Andrew is also hoping to have barrels at his home for people to donate nonperishable food items to Project SHARE.