Kitchener students give back to community through garage sale fundraiser

Grade 8 students at Groh Public School got the chance to make an impact on their communities through a garage sale.

Some grade 8 students at Groh Public School in Kitchener got a hands-on lesson in commerce by hosting their second annual garage sale.

The student-run event had hundreds of donated items on display for sale.

“There’s clothes, books, CDs, there’s a bunch of different things,” explained Taylor Arndt, a student who helped organize the event. “It includes bikes, skateboards, skates, there’s a concession stand.”

All the items ranged from fifty cents to ten dollars, so no one had to break the bank to enjoy the sale.

“We hope anybody comes in; communities, families, kids, parents and teens,” said Tiana Urban, another student involved.

During the inaugural garage sale in 2025, students raised over $2,000 for the House of Friendship. This year, proceeds will go to Kids Ability.

“There’s so many kids out there that don’t have everything that other kids have and it just makes us feel good that we’re giving back to the community and doing everything we can,” Urban said.

All items for sale were sourced through community kindness and corporate donations.

“We were calling local businesses asking for gift cards and calling other schools to see if they were willing to help as well,” explained Tanish Dave, the student who also designed a website for the event.

“It had all the information on it, including a countdown, the details, pricing and stuff like that,” said Dave.

The other students involved said the initiative not only united the community, but also the classroom.

“It brought us all together closer,” said Yuvraj Bhalla. “I was able to talk to many students I wouldn’t personally talk to and it was just a very great experience overall.”

As of 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, the students had raised over $2,100, but their fundraising website will remain online for any last-minute donations.