3rd Annual Mayor's Charity Yard Sale hits Harrow

by Garrett Fodor 

As spring has sprung, the warm weather is here, which has spurred residents to do some spring cleaning. While going through closets and drawers, many forwarded gently used items to support the third annual Mayor’s Annual Charity Yard Sale.

This past Saturday, the Harrow Soccer Complex was the scene, lined with tables, trailers, and treasures for those to hunt through as a part of Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy’s annual charity yard sale.

  In its third iteration, the annual sale featured the collection of donations ranging from household furniture to decor, games, books, and clothing. The sale was completed on a donation basis, with items not being priced, but rather purchasers paying what they felt was fair and appropriate. 

  “One of the core values I hold dear is reduce, reuse, and recycle, and that's what we are doing here. Not everything has to be purchased new, and this event is a great way to find items without breaking the bank,” Bondy said. “It's a fun family event, because there's so much stuff that there's really something for everybody. It’s a great opportunity to mix and mingle and meet members of your community as well while doing good.”

Each year, the sale has expanded. Initially it started at Bondy’s home in Harrow, before shifting to the Harrow Portuguese Club last year. The 2025 edition took place at the town-owned Harrow Soccer Complex.

  Bondy noted that donations were collected over the last month or so, generously stored between donated storage lockers, garages, and other spaces throughout Harrow, leading up to Saturday. 

  All the money raised throughout the sale will be donated to organizations that the volunteers who helped out during the event represented. Proceeds were divided based on the number of volunteer hours worked.

  Bondy noted it was a great way to contribute and have an impact within the community and help organizations.

  “Each year, the Town of Essex gives away money in what is called ‘Community Partnership Grants,’ and I really thought of alternative ways that we can do this without using taxpayer dollars,” Bondy said. “I’m trying to find ways for the community to be involved in having a say in how and where the money is spent. It’s a great event, and we had more than 15 volunteers come out to support us and lend a hand and [donate their] time.”

  In addition to the hard goods that were sold, light snacks and refreshments were also available to purchase on the day, along with raffle tickets for a tandem bike. Whatever items did not find new homes, Bondy noted they were going to be picked up by Canadian Diabetes to prevent items from going into the landfill and repurpose what can be. 

Reflecting on the event, she is really proud of the turnout and thankful for the support.

  In total, Bondy announced the sale had raised over $5,000, which would be divided and donated to local organizations, including: The Harrow Girl Guides, Hiatus House, The Harrow Early Immigrant Research Society, Cat Rescue TNR, and others.

  As a part of the event, Bondy said there were countless donations throughout the lead-up and on the day of, in providing support and snacks and other donations, including from Ice Cool Treats, A.J. Matte Electric, Tailwaggers Inn, Colenutt Signs, Blackstone Flowers, Storage Box, and others.