Nicholas Donaldson
The Bargain Shop here once again is gearing up for its annual Easter Seals campaign, which is set to run March 19-April 15.
This year’s fundraising and awareness campaign will be the 10th for The Bargain Shop.
It also will be the last.
Store manager Darcy Banman said she has been very happy with the campaign in past years and the money it has raised.
She explained The Bargain Shop corporation now will be encouraging its stores to partner with local charities and organizations.
Easter Seals Ontario is an organization that helps support children with physical disabilities. Every year, it partners with businesses to run the “Paper Eggs” campaign.
Supporters who donate $2 receive a paper egg to write their name or that of a loved one on it.
The eggs then are hung in the store’s windows.
Easter Seals uses the money raised to purchase special needs equipment, sending kids to camp, and other programing for those with disabilities.
“All of the money we raise actually comes back to the Rainy River District,” noted Banman.
She said she’s excited for the campaign because it always is well-supported by the community.
This year’s events will include a bake sale on Saturday, April 1 and a book sale the following Saturday (April 8).
There also is an ongoing colouring contest for children (the picture and contest details are available at The Bargain Shop on Scott Street).
Then on April 15 (the day before Easter), the local store will run its “spin to win” game in conjunction with the Fort Frances Kiwanis Club’s annual “Egg-Stravaganza” festivities in downtown Fort Frances.
Banman is hoping to raise enough money to make its 10th and final campaign a memorable one.
“Last year, we raised over $4,000,” she noted. “This year we hope to raise $6,500.”
Banman said if they do reach their goal, it will be the highest amount ever collected at the Fort Frances location.
She is very optimistic about reaching the target because of the response they have received in the past.
The Bargain Shop here has been in the top 10 stores for money raised for seven of the 10 years.
“We would just like to thank everyone who has donated for their support,” Banman said.
“The campaigns are always successful,” she enthused. “We have awesome donators in this town.”
Banman said The Bargain Shop always is happy to work with the community, noting they definitely are willing to do similar fundraising campaigns for local causes down the road.
“If the hospital needs a new CT scanner, sure, we will throw a bake sale together,” she pledged.
“We love the bake sales and book sales here.”
Even though The Bargain Shop is not officially working with Easter Seals after this year, Banman said the local store still may do some fundraising for it.
“We might even raise money for the Easter Seals next year and give it to them on behalf of us,” she remarked.
