But, just like when you cheer loud enough for your favourite band to return to the stage at the end of their show, the titanic trade of trash and treasure is back for an encore this year.
“This year, we are thinking only one for the year and it will be without heavy furniture, as we’ve worn our lifters and shifters out, the poor old buggers,” Soroptimist International of Shepparton’s Jill Pinner said.
“We thought we would give the garage sale away, but everybody wants us to keep going, but with no heavy furniture this time.”
There is no date yet set for the event — it will be whenever the 40-foot shipping crate put aside to the store the wares is full — but Ms Pinner says it will most likely be in August or September.
“Start saving your household goods, bric-a-brac, clothing, linen, workshop tools,” she said.
“We take electrical goods, picture frames, paintings, kids’ games and toys and clothes, and we will take light furniture like coffee tables and chairs, just not the big, bulky things.”
Ms Pinner said the event had been running for at least a couple of decades, but its format had changed over the years.
Instead of dropping off your unwanted goods to the Soroptimists this year, they will pick them up, preferably boxed neatly for easy stacking, taking one less task out of the decluttering process for donors of goods.
The location of the garage sale will be announced when the date is finalised.
It will be dependent on a vacant premises offered free for temporary use, to avoid part of the profits being eaten up by a rental fee, meaning more funds can be directed towards causes the Shepparton Soroptimists support.
The all-women’s global volunteer organisation has a focus on empowering women and girls to achieve their full potential, providing access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment, specifically those facing significant obstacles.
It also promotes gender equality and raises awareness of and addresses violence against women and girls.
Funds raised by the local group, which currently has 33 members, will support local women and girls.
The group is hoping to attract new and younger enthusiastic members who have a little bit of time to give.
“The more we put into Shepparton, the better we make it for everyone,” Ms Pinner said.
While men can’t join, their voluntary service from time to time will also be welcomed.
To arrange pick-up of your unwanted goods for the garage sale, phone Debbie Watson-Smith on 0417 002 224 or Jill Pinner on 0448 718 177.
To register your interest about joining Shepparton Soroptimists or attending a meeting to see what it’s all about, phone membership convenor Elaine Lenon on 0438 253 886.
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