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Innisfil church transforms 'stuff' into hope and love (4 photos)

The church's giant garage sale was a fundraiser for a mission trip to Ecuador

Not everyone has cash to donate to a good cause.

But most people have “stuff” – outgrown but still useful clothing, old books, no-longer-needed housewares.

New Life Baptist Church transformed “stuff” into donations for its planned mission trip to Ecuador, at a giant yard sale this past Saturday.

The Innisfil church will be sending a team of 12 volunteers to Quito, Ecuador in November, to work with Pan de Vida (Bread of Life) and Samaritan’s Purse. The volunteers will help the community construct homes or schools, participate in nutrition programs that distribute foods purchased in local markets, and hold vacation Bible schools for the kids.

“Just very much community-based, trying to build a better quality of life with them,” said co-ordinator Sheryl Tracey.

The giant yard sale was one of several fundraisers being planned at the church. The sale featured “28 vendors… and multiple families for garage sales, all with the same goal – to raise money,” Tracey said.

The event had support from the community, including numerous donations from local businesses. “We have been blessed,” she said.

The trip will be a new experience, Tracey added. Although the church has participated in other, similar mission trips, “none of us have ever been to Ecuador.”

The inside hall was filled with vendors and crafters selling their wares. Outside the back door, the yard sale was in full force – selling everything from children’s clothing for $1 an item, to original artwork by 20-year-old Sadie Holmes.

“Just donate what you can,” browsers were told.

New Life Baptist Church is located at 6881 Yonge St. in Innisfil.


Miriam King

About the Author: Miriam King

Miriam King is a journalist and photographer with Bradford Today, covering news and events in Bradford West Gwillimbury and Innisfil.
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