By Times Chronicle Staff
The annual Community Yard Sale returns this weekend, May 17-18 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) with all proceeds going to Honour House and Hearts for Heroes! initiatives.
Organizer of the event, Tammy Herman, says this year they are moving the event to the Osoyoos Curling Club (rear entrance at western end) due to the past couple of years where they’ve faced destructive winds and rain.
“I got called at two in the morning that everything’s blowing down Hwy. 97,” she recalls from last year. The year before that it was steady rain that spoiled some of the donated artwork. And while the visibility won’t be nearly as good as being on the highway, the shelter that the Curling Club offers is worth it she reckons.
Proceeds from the event – typically in the neighbourhood of $4,0000 – will go to Honour House which is a “home away from home” for members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Veterans, Emergency Services Personnel and their families to stay, completely free of charge, while they are receiving medical care and treatment in the metro Vancouver Area.
Home away from home – Honour House is located on a quiet tree-lined street in New Westminster.
Honour House Society photo
Some of the proceeds will also go to Hearts for Heroes initiative, which will see a special event in honour of this same group with Herman and her committee aiming to bring both the Snowbirds acrobatic team and the RCMP Musical Ride to Osoyoos in 2026.
She notes the veterans are getting older, and it has been a tough year for those serving in the uniformed services.
“It’s just been a hell of a year,” Herman says. “And the military, because they don’t advertise, people don’t know what they’re doing. They were so excited to hear about this that they’re going to be invited.”
Donations are very much welcome, but not large furniture (unless given the green light by organizers), as there is no one to do the heavy lifting. Donations can be dropped off on Friday, May 16, at the back door of the curling club (facing Hwy. 97). Volunteers to help run the yard sale are also welcome. To donate or volunteer, call 778-387-1220.
