Has spring cleaning left you with previously loved items in need of new homes? Perhaps you’re looking for new ways to support your community during this challenging time?

The simple solution to both is the Canadian Mental Health Association – Central Alberta Garage Sale!

Running from June 4 to 6 at the Pidherney Curling Centre, proceeds from the garage sale will support the association’s crisis counselling program.

With a caseload that’s grown from about 150 people in 2019 to 300 people in 2020, the number has continued to grow during the first quarter of 2021, reflecting ongoing challenges related to the economy and COVID-19, says Christine Stewart, Executive Director at Canadian Mental Health Association – Central Alberta.

From youth feeling isolated to parents trying to balance it all to business owners in crisis, the entire community is represented among those who have sought help, Stewart notes. The positive? “The pandemic has made it more socially acceptable for people to reach out,” she says.

Fielding client referrals from other agencies, in addition to those clients contacting CMHA directly, the CMHA’s master’s-level licensed counsellor can offer a variety of services, including undertaking a risk assessment and counselling sessions to stabilize clients before referring them to an appropriate professional or organization.

The garage sale will generate essential funds to meet this growing community need.

Donations and volunteers needed!

Hosted at the spacious, 12-rink Pidherney Curling Centre, the site offers lots of room to safely distance while shopping for great deals and supporting a vital local organization.

Donation drop-off is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through May 30. All items should be clean and in good condition – please note that clothing, shoes, large appliances, TVs, computers, tires and mattresses/box springs are not permitted.

But donations aren’t the only essential for a great garage sale – volunteers are also needed. To lend a hand, sign up at volunteersignup.org/RHJ7F. Jobs include everything from sorting, organizing and pricing donations to greeting shoppers and taking cash on sale days.

And as an added bonus, volunteers also get to shop early!