New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale with famous quilt auction to be held on May 24, 25

(News Release)

2013 Feature quilt, "Straightening the Rose Garden" will be on auction (Photo credit: St. Jacobs Printery)

New Hamburg, May 3, 2013 - The 47^th annual New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale is being held on Friday, May 24 (5:30 – 9:30 pm) and Saturday, May 25, (7:00 am - 4:00 pm) 2013 at the fairgrounds, 251 Jacob St., New Hamburg, Ontario.

The Relief Sale is a major fundraiser for Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), the development and relief agency of Mennonite and Brethren in Christ Churches.

Every year since 1967, over 15,000 people have attended the sale to purchase scrumptious food, beautiful quilts, new sporting and outdoor equipment, furniture, flowers, plants and much more. Last year $345,000 was raised. Proceeds support basic human needs and peace and justice initiatives of MCC world-wide.

Friday's evening's events begin at 5:30 pm with a barbecue and quilt preview. At 7:00 pm the silent auction starts as well as the feature event of the evening, a live furniture auction of high quality new, local and international handcrafted furniture made by Mennonite artisans and craftspeople.

Canada's largest charity quilt auction on the morning of Saturday, May 25 starting at 8:30 am is the signature event of the Relief Sale. In 2012 it raised $128,000. This year nearly 200 quilts will be auctioned. The feature quilt is “Straightening the Rose Garden,” designed, assembled and quilted by Judy Pearce of Kitchener.

Photos of the quilts can be seen on the Relief Sale's website at www.nhmrs.com. Video of last year's quilt auction, including the rousing four-part singing of the hymn 'Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow,' can be seen on YouTube under 'Mennonite Relief Sale.'

Also on Saturday numerous food venues feature international and traditional Mennonite favourites, including the famous strawberry pies. The outdoor auction begins at 10:30 am and features a Diamond utility trailer. Children can enjoy entertainment by musicians, clowns and face painters, inflatable castles and a mini auction of merchandise for children at 11 am (registration 10-11 am).

The Relief Sale is organized and supported by more than 2000 volunteers who prepare the food, handcraft the quilts, the furniture and other items for sale. Many people and companies donate merchandise or funds to cover expenses. The Relief Sale takes pride in having all products and services donated so that “A Dollar Spent is a Dollar Sent.” There is no tax and no bidder or auction fees. Admission and parking are free. Buses are welcome and the site is wheelchair accessible.

For a full listing of quilts, activities and other sale items visit our website at www.nhmrs.com . For more information call or text John Reimer, New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale Board Chair, at 519-573-1717.