Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sarnia-Lambton will host its 53rd annual Fall Show and Sale this weekend at a new location.
Fundraising Coordinator Melissa Matthews said the fundraising event will be held at École Secondaire Catholique Saint-François-Xavier and École Secondaire Franco-Jeunesse due to ongoing construction at Alexander Mackenzie Secondary School.
"Saint-François was very accommodating and willing to take the event on," said Matthews.
The venue, located on the Rapids Parkway, offers ample parking, with additional space available across the street at Gregory A. Hogan School.
Matthews also said with two gymnasiums, there's enough space to host 98 vendors.
"It's a good time to spoil yourself or start your Christmas shopping," she said. "We've got vendors with everything from home decor to Christmas decor, gift items, personal hygiene items, candles, a lot of different food options as well."
Matthews said there will be hot food items available, as well as a bake table in the cafeteria, between the gyms.
"That's another thing that I think is great with this setup," Matthews said. "[There's] cafeteria tables where people can sit down and enjoy some lunch, and refuel before they hit the next gym."
She also highlighted their raffle, which includes nearly 100 prizes.
The Show and Sale will be held on Saturday, November 14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday, November 15, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There will be a $10 admission fee, but kids 12 and under can attend for free.
Proceeds will go directly to the local organization.
Matthews said they rely heavily on fundraisers to provide services to children and youth in Lambton County.
"Last year, we were able to serve over 750 kids locally, either through one-to-one mentorship or group programming, or in-school programming," Matthews said.
In April, Big Brothers Big Sisters paused intake for its male youth program, citing a need for more one-to-one big brother mentors.
Matthews said since then, there have been "a decent amount" of matches. They may reopen intake in the new year once the waitlist goes down a bit more.
