The Big Give Port Hope is continuing to bounce back following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following a hiatus in 2020-2021, The Big Give Port Hope returned last year with an estimated 500 people turning out to Calvary Pentecostal Church for the free yard sale. The Big Give Port Hope is returning next month with similar fundraiser events happening across the country. 

The event launched in 2018 when a group of local churches collaborated on a community giving event, according to Sharon Broomer, one of the organizers of the event at Calvary Pentecostal Church. The following year, they joined "The Big Give," a national movement across Canada that holds charity events on the first Saturday in June. 

“We were just so thankful to be able to do that for our community,” Broomer said.

This year’s event on June 3 will take place from 9 a.m. until noon at the Calvary church at 401 Croft Street. 

Organizers are in the process of accepting donations of clothing for all ages, household items, children’s toys, small furniture items and more.

Donations can be dropped off at the church Wednesday and Thursday of this week and next, from 5 to 7 p.m. and on Saturday, May 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Any leftover items following the yard sale are donated to area charities, including thrift stores.

Broomer said last year’s event was quite humbling.

“Our society isn’t one that really understands what free is - we are always afraid that there’s a catch, but there is no catch to this day. Everything is free,” she said. “Whatever has been donated, we give back. We have businesses that have come alongside and offered food that we can donate back so we have a little refreshment table there so everything that is given to us is given back and the people are overwhelmed by the fact that it’s free.”

There are no restrictions to how much people can take, but there are procedures in place to ensure the line keeps moving and everyone has an opportunity to browse.

“We do encourage people to take what they need…basically it’s what they can carry. They can come back through several times, there is no restriction on that,” Broomer said.

Anyone with questions can reach organizers at thebiggiveporthope@gmail.com or follow the event’s page on Facebook.

Hear the full interview with Sharon Broomer: