The event was a joint fundraising effort by the Summeride and St. Eleanors Scouts and the Newspapers in Education (NIE) program supported by the Journal Pioneer.
Brad MacKinnon, group registrar and treasurer for the Scouting organization, identified the yard sale as one of the three main events for raising money. The other two are a specialty popcorn sale and Christmas wreath sales.
Seventy-six tables were rented to sellers, with several other tables offered free to Kensington Scouts and Girl Guide groups.
Proceeds from the rentals and a $2 entry fee for shoppers were divided evenly between the Scouts and NIE.
Each also gained from any other goods or services they made available. The Scouts, for example, sold popular balloon creations formed by their leader, Gerald Giroux, and also offered a 50/50 lottery.
Seller Lucy Perry came from the west end of P.E.I. to load up a table. She has her house for sale and thought the yard sale a good opportunity to help download items.
“It’s difficult to decide what to sell and what to keep,” admitted Perry.
It was her first time at the event, which has been organized for three of the past four years. Her daughter also had three tables, and she enjoyed the social aspect, so she will consider returning for future events.
Jean Eden thought the yard sale was a great idea for getting rid of items she wasn’t using. She has sold before, and decided to try again when she saw the advertisement.
“I sold a VHS machine and tapes,” Eden revealed with a tone of amazement, but admitted that sentimental things stayed at home.
At the end of the day, MacKinnon reported $1,328 in proceeds for Newspapers in Education and $1,450 for the four levels of Summerside and St. Eleanors Scouts.
The funding boost is timely for the Scouts who hold early registrations at the St. Eleanor’s Lions Hall 6 to 8 p.m. on June 5.
