REDLAND City's combined Rotary clubs' two-day garage sale raised more than $27,500 for Queensland's drought-stricked farmers over the weekend.
Chairman of the garage sale committee, representing the combined five Rotary and Rotaract clubs of the Redlands, Phil Robinson, said buyers had turned up at the old Leisure Marine building at Capalaba "in droves" looking for a bargain, with many already lined up when the sale opened at 7am on Saturday .
"Furniture was targeted by bargain hunters, but there was everything from silver plated cruet sets, purple wigs, paintings, books, bric-a-brac, telescopes, pink cowboy hats, beds, bags of clothing and linen, shoes and boxes of new thongs, bikes, furniture and many other items went out the door at bargain prices," Phil said.
"Customers went away with bags brimming with bargains, with many returning a second and third time to shop."
Phil said most purchasers were happy with the amount they were asked to pay, saying 'Oh, yes, it's going to a great cause" and "What a wonderful job you are doing here to help those out west".
The $27,560 total raised included cash donations, sausage and burger sizzle, drinks and coffee sales, raffles and sale proceeds. All these funds will be directed to Rotary clubs out west, who will use them where they are needed most. Vouchers will be given to families to 'spend' with businesses in their local communities. This will mean businesses, who like farmers have also been suffering from reduced income, will also benefit.
"It has been fantastic and we were thrilled with the amount of goods that were donated by local Redland communities and even more delighted by the response of the bargain hunters," Phil said.
"It has been so much like when we did the Flood Relief Garage Sale in 2011 with such wonderful community support.
"The organising committee wishes to thank the public who generously donated goods to the sale and special thanks goes to all the volunteers who gave up their time to help.
"Special thanks goes to the businesses in the Redlands who helped by donating their services and in particular our partner the Redland City Bulletin, the owner of the Leisure Marine facility, Betta Car & Ute Hire an)d JJ Richards."
Volunteers included members of the Rotary clubs of Cleveland, Capalaba, Redland Sunrise, Redlands Bayside and Wellington Point together with the Rotaract Club of Redlands, Lions and Probus who gave up their time to help a great cause.
Rotary is still taking tax deductable cash donations for the cause and aims to raise $30,000. To make a donation, contact Phil Robinson on 0438 251 607.