By Riley Murphy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Bolton Kin has prepared back-to-back weekends of fundraising and fun for the community through their various activities, including this weekend's Terry Fox Run.

The volunteer organization has been serving Bolton and its surrounding communities since 1964. Last weekend, they hosted one of their Toonie Sales.

Residents and community members began lining up for the sale around 8:30 a.m. for the 10:00 a.m. start time.

Throughout the year, they collect clothes and accessories in donation boxes in town, then sell each item for only a toonie.

The Kin Donation Bins are located in Fortino's parking lot.

The money raised helps the Kin continue “serving the community's greatest needs.”

Kin member Susan Eno shared that the sales have been running for over 12 years now, beginning when she first joined the Kin.

The club used to take clothes and items for poundage. 

One day, Eno noticed that a lot of the clothes were brand new.

From there, they grabbed hangers and dry cleaners and “started out with nothing,” said Eno.

Eno was able to observe the growth over time, including the sale's relocation to the President's Building from the Agricultural Society.

“We were just bursting at the seams,” said Eno. “Everybody got on board and it became a major, successful project.”

Any leftover items from the sale are donated to The Kidney Foundation, just one of the various organizations the Bolton Kin can support because of their Toonie Sale.

Kin member Judy Bennett explained that they will also bring remaining items to nursing homes, and if there is a family in need in town, they can come in and get what they need.

“Everybody doesn't have to buy,” said Bennett. “If we see somebody in need, we're happy to help.”

Bins are also placed at the front of the sale, filled with toys for kids to take.

Bennett shared that all the money goes back to the Caledon community.

“The community gives, and the community receives,” she says.

Volunteers with the Kin said with the current economy, they are seeing more and more families looking for items for their kids.

As the line-up grew outside, Eno explained that the money they make from the sale goes completely back into programs that they support.

Some of the various programs are Meals on Wheels, Bethell Hospice, Cystic Fibrosis, Meaghan's Room, Caledon Community Services, motionball for Special Olympics, CAFFI and more.

“We're one big happy family,” they laughed.

They shared that they are always looking to grow their team, especially with young members.

“The Kin is always here for the good of the community, and we're happy to help, and if anybody needs us, reach out,” says Bennett.

The next Toonie Sale will be in October, but they're not done yet.

The Kin will hold the 45th annual Terry Fox Run in Bolton on Sunday, September 14.

Last year, the virtual run raised over $25,000, and this year's goal is to match and surpass last year's efforts.

The meeting place for all participants will be at the Bolton Kin Centre, located at 35 Chapel Street. 

After a brief ceremony, the run will officially start at 9:00 a.m.

This year, a 1 km run route will be set up along the Humber River.

Visit www.terryfox.org for pledge forms or contact John Stegeman at boltonkin@gmail.com for more information or if you wish to purchase a Terry Fox t-shirt before the run.