An enormous success Ð that is the only way to describe this yearÕs Dump and Run community garage sale, says chief student organizer Kathleen Jones. The fourth annual Dump and Run, held at the end of term in the Studley Gym, raised $14,000 for charities and non-profit groups. ThatÕs up from $9,000 the previous year.
The Dump and Run is organized by the Society for Corporate, Environmental and Social Responsibility Ð a student group. One of the main ideas behind the sale is to divert waste from local landfills. And divert it does, says Jones. This year, nearly 12 metric tons of goods Ð furniture, appliances, clothes and other items did not go into the landfill, but was sold at the Dump and Run.
This included 21 sofas, 13 desks, 21 chairs, 14 mattresses, five bed frames, 25 boxes of kitchen supplies, 47 small appliances, 10 televisions, seven microwaves, 20 computer printers, 75 bags of clothes and many other items.
Environmental groups also set up table displays at the event to educate students and the public about environmental issues. This year the Halifax Peace Coalition, Clean Nova Scotia, Halifax Local Exchange Trading System and the Canadian Parks and Wildlife Society had booths at the event.
The Dump and Run also partnered this year with the Dalhousie Meal Exchange, another student group. It donates food to the Metro Food Bank and other charities. Everyone attending the event was asked to bring a non-perishable food item. About 80 pounds of food was collected.