By Adam Brazeau
CORNWALL, Ontario – It’s a blessing without disguise as two faith communities in Cornwall unite for a give-away event this Saturday morning.
Immanuel Christian Reformed (2264 Pitt Street) and Harvest Christian Fellowship (847 York Street) are hosting The Big Give until noon.
The new event features a giant yard sale with barbecue, baked goods, haircuts, nail polishing, and a kids’ fun station.
And it’s all free.
A photographer will be at Immanuel Christian Reformed church offering family photos, sent by email.
The outreach initiative began in Ottawa with about 100 churches taking part.
“The idea is to give people who don’t have an awful lot the opportunity to come here, get furniture, dishes, bedding, have something to eat and not have to pay for anything,” said Brenda Walker, a member of Immanuel Christian Reformed and event volunteer. “We just want to show a little bit of love and encouragement to some folks in the area who really need it.”
Organizers said the community gave big to the cause.
“We’re not a great big church, but everybody’s been involved,” said Walker. “Next year we’ll start a lot earlier and try to get every church involved.”
Hundreds of items will be up for grabs: kids’ toys, electronics, furniture, kitchen ware, house ware, clothing, bedding, garden. You name it, they’ve got it.
“I think it’s great. It just came as an idea about five weeks ago and we threw it together,” said Pastor Steven Eckersley.
