May Court Bargain Box
228 Laurier Avenue East
Written by Bytown Museum
on
03/Dec/2009
On May 1, 1898, the Countess of Aberdeen, wife of the sitting governor general, assembled over 100 women at Rideau Hall and suggested to them a revival of an ancient custom – the celebration of May Day. Lady Aberdeen urged the women to help those less-fortunate than themselves. "It is in the power of women everywhere," she said, "to make society what they will."
Over 70 years and countless fundraisers later, the May Court Club opened the Bargain Box on Laurier Avenue. The Bargain Box, staffed entirely by volunteers, sells clothing, jewellery and household items. This little operation also raises more than $50,000 each year to support community projects.
Ottawa is home to many second-hand stores who not only help us recycle unwanted goods, but use their profits to help those in need. So, clean out your closets and kitchens and send what you don't use any longer to those who are helping Ottawa's less fortunate.
