MCC Relief Sale 2008

Over the weekend, I jumped at the chance to attend the annual MCC Relief Sale at the Tradex Centre in Abbotsford. I was in good company...lots of company!

The local MCC relief sale began thirty-nine years ago. I remember it well! My dad was on the first organizational committee...and I coerced many of my friends to volunteer their time at the sale that year. I recall counting the proceeds from the sale at my parent's dining room table in those early years. How it has grown from it's humble beginnings!

It is now the second largest function at the Tradex Centre...drawing over twenty-thousand people. Last year's sale raised over $600,000 for people in need around the world...one loaf of bread alone sold for $200,000. It is largely a community event that draws people in with the opportunity to buy Mennonite foods, crafts, some of the famous handcrafted quilts and to share in the spirit of giving.

Oh yes...and there's always the chance you might bump into someone you know!

Could that possibly be Pastor Ron selling jewelry over there? He seemed to have a way of drawing the crowds to his stall...there's nothing like enthusiasm to make a sale! Sorry, but I had no time for jewelry...I had to run check on my silent auction bids. It was my lucky day...and I came home with a few treasures.

The antique plant stand was mine for $50...freshly stained and ready to hold the fern in the corner of the great room.

And no one else seemed interested in a porcelain doll. I didn't really care for her dress, but left her in her petticoat...and added a crocheted cape that was once worn by my daughter. One day she will find a home in my antique doll buggy...handmade by my father-in-law over sixty years ago.

Our last stop before we left the sale, was the 'porzelky' booth. We picked up a dozen of those wonderful deep-fried fritters to go...and had us a little feast when we got home.

It's a great event...and a place for guilt-free shopping! Since when is helping people around the world this much fun?