Tara Jeffrey
One of Sarnia’s most popular fundraisers returns this weekend — and it could be their biggest yet.
“We’re thrilled to bring the Show & Sale back in 2022 at full capacity — this is an event we hold very dear to our hearts,” said Kaylen Burgess, executive director at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sarnia-Lambton, which hosts the 49th annual event Nov. 12 and 13 at Alexander Mackenzie Secondary School.
“The months of planning, the chaos, the stress all seems to lift when we see it all come to fruition. It always amazes me to watch an empty canvas turn into perfection when the doors open.”
A total of 105 vendors, makers, artisans and small businesses are set to line the halls for the event that typically draws thousands of shoppers — for many, it’s a yearly tradition, said Burgess.
“It’s an event our community seems to love just as much as we do; they come back year after year.”
The Show & Sale has also become a tradition for Cathy Wilde of Fleck Law — a former Big Sister herself who has been lead sponsor of the event since 2017.
“I really believe in what they do,” said Wilde, whose ‘Little Sister’ is all grown up now. The pair shared some milestone moments over the years.
“She stood up in my wedding; I was there when her daughter was born,” she said.
“It’s not just the matching — but the programming — everything,” said Wilde, who also served on the agency’s Board of Directors for several years.
It’s also a tradition for her mom, who flies in from Saskatchewan each year to attend the event, where you’ll usually find Wilde and her staff front and centre, handing out shopping bags and greeting guests as they arrive.
“The impact you can have in helping kids make positive choices, keep them going in the right direction… the gratitude is immeasurable,” she said. “And I just love the event.”
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: The 39th Annual Big Sisters Show & Sale
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday Nov. 13, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WHERE: Alexander Mackenzie High School
DETAILS: Admission is $7; all money raised goes to support youth mentoring programs in Sarnia-Lambton. Visit https://sarnia.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca for more info