by Guillaume Laflamme
Bryson
Apr. 27, 2024
The Valentine Centre assisted living facility held its annual spring crafts and bake sale fundraiser event on Saturday at the Bryson Lions Hall, offering shoppers an assortment of goods to go home with, including everything from knitted plush animals, to homemade salsas, and even tattoos.
Scott Laporte, director general for the centre and organizer for the event, decided to try something new this year, expanding what has traditionally been a bake sale to include booths for local vendors to sell crafts.
“It’s a good variety of different things from all local vendors,” Laporte said. “It helped us out and hopefully helps them to promote their business.”
Nathalie Bennett, one of the vendors at the event, offered a large collection of homemade jewellery she makes herself. Bennet said she is grateful for the chance to support the community that once helped her grandfather.
“My grandfather years ago was getting respite care at the Valentine Centre. So we’re familiar with it, and I really support people giving a break to the caretakers. We also have to think about the caretakers and take care of them as well.”
Laporte said the sale raised almost $600 for the home, a respite centre that specializes in caring for patients with Alzheimer’s. The funds were raised through selling raffle tickets for door prizes, entry fees for vendors, and selling food at the canteen, including homemade chili.
He said the funds raised from the event will be used to buy new furniture and outdoor amenities which he hopes will make the centre feel more like home.
