Hospital Auxiliary Rummage Sale returns to Exeter this May

The South Huron Hospital Auxiliary’s rummage sale set to return this spring.

By Meg Pearson

The South Huron Hospital Auxiliary’s popular rummage sale is set to return this spring, continuing a long-standing community tradition that supports patient care at South Huron Hospital.

The large annual sale will take place at the South Huron Recreation Centre arena floor on Friday, May 29, from 2 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, May 30, from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Donations are being accepted on Thursday, May 28, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the South Huron Recreation Centre’s Zamboni entrance.

While the exact origins of the rummage sale stretch back decades, many local residents remember attending as children, and it has remained a well-supported event in the community ever since.

Bev Anstett, co-ordinator of the rummage sale committee, said the event serves three important purposes.

“First of all, it’s a fundraiser to support the hospital,” Anstett said. “All the money we raise goes directly into patient care.”

Funds raised through the auxiliary support various hospital initiatives and equipment purchases, helping enhance patient care locally.

But Anstett said the sale is about more than fundraising. It has also become a gathering place for the community.

“The second purpose is that it’s a social and community event where people can get together and participate,” she said. “We hope volunteers enjoy themselves and feel good about being able to help.”

The third aspect reflects a commitment to sustainability, something the organizers refer to as the “four Rs” — rummage, recycle, reduce and reuse.

“We hope we can keep things out of the landfill and pass items along to someone who can use them,” Anstett said. “It also allows families to purchase items at a very reasonable cost.”

The May sale is the larger of the auxiliary’s two annual rummage sales, and in addition to household goods, shoppers can expect to find clothing and furniture items available on the arena floor.

Organizers do ask donors to be mindful of what can and cannot be accepted. While a wide range of gently used household goods are welcome, items such as large furniture, mattresses, electronics, computer equipment, car seats, single cups, plates, glasses and other oversized or difficult-to-handle items cannot be accepted.

The event requires significant volunteer support each year. Anstett estimated that about 250 volunteers help organize the large sale, working across different departments and shifts to sort donations, set up the arena floor and assist shoppers.

Preparation for the sale begins months in advance, with a volunteer committee co-ordinating advertising, organizing departments and recruiting helpers.

“We’re always happy to welcome new volunteers,” Anstett said. “Some people work a couple of hours, while others help throughout the whole event. Any help is appreciated.”

Volunteers are especially needed for set-up on Wednesday evening, donation drop-off day on Thursday and clean-up at the end of the sale on Saturday.

Residents interested in volunteering or donating items are encouraged to watch for updates on local community Facebook pages and the South Huron Hospital Gift Shop Facebook page. They can also contact Anstett directly.

Whether donating, volunteering or simply stopping by to shop, Anstett said the goal remains the same.

“We like that it raises money for the hospital, but we also like that it brings people together,” she said. “It’s really about maintaining that sense of community.”