Rather than a week after the Labour Day weekend, the annual fundraising event is slated for Saturday, Sept. 15, says Star Donovan, one of the organizing committee’s three co-chairs.
Donovan describes the Hospital Hustle as a huge flea market and says many service clubs and community groups are involved.
“Everything goes to the hospital, every dime collected,” she says.
“This year all our proceeds from it are going towards the expansion.”
Last year, the event raised a little more than $19,000, and the money went towards the expansion project. In past years, funds raised have paid for equipment.
Donovan says she hopes the event will raise $20,000, but she adds any amount is good.
According to Donovan, the ladies of the hospital auxiliary started the Hospital Hustle many years ago. Last year, members had a meeting and asked others in the community take over.
“They all still help out the day of the hustle,” Donovan says.
The curling club, which is where the event is slated to take place, will be open for people to drop off donations starting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13.
People will also be able to drop things off the following day, Sept. 14, from about 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Donovan says people donate a wide range of items, such as books, crafts and furniture.
“A lot of people (make things) over the year and get ready, and then when it’s time for the hustle, they donate it all,” she says.
About 600 people have gone to the event, and people are often lined up waiting for the doors to open, Donovan says.
The Hospital Hustle will happen from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Anyone wanting to donate may call Star Donovan at 354-2078 or Gary Levy at 354-5530.
