St. John’s Presbyterian Church hosted an artisan craft show and bazaar on Saturday with proceeds going to Bradford’s Helping Hand Food Bank.
From the morning into the late afternoon, members of the church and small business owners gathered to sell everything from jewellery to soap to bake goods to help raise money for the food bank.
Members of council were in attendance as the church raised over $1,000 throughout the day with over 200 people in attendance.
“First and foremost, I think everybody felt pretty cooped up over the last few years and so everybody is excited to come out to visit with friends and pick up some nice new treasures and help raise money for the food bank,” said Coun. Jonathan Scott. “All the local churches have always supported the food bank, but it’s nice to see fundraising like this.”
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, fundraisers were the norm for St. John’s Presbyterian Church, so the members are glad to just be getting involved and helping those in need again.
“It’s been going very well,” said Marie Wood. “We’ve had a good turnout and all the vendors have had good luck selling. This is important to help get people to know the church and see the church and understand what we can offer. We want people to come here and see how much fun we have as members of the church. And it helps that it’s for a good cause, we’ll be giving all the money we make to the food bank.”
Robin Scanga, who was selling artisan soaps, was happy to see so many people mingling and supporting small businesses and the food bank.
“It’s very important to have these events and to get everybody out and seeing each other and talking again,” said Scanga. “And obviously we all want to help out everybody with the fundraiser for the food bank.”
The overall feeling inside the church was that of glee with members of the church and local residents bonding over an appreciation for crafts, treats, and helping out those in need.
“It’s been such a great day,” said Amanda Gwynne-Farrish of Pook Designz. “There’s been so many friendly faces and people helping a good cause.”
