Relief sales are a celebration of community cooperation and generosity, offering opportunities for friendship, food, and fun while raising millions of dollars annually to support MCC's work.
The Early Years
The concept of relief sales dates back to the early 20th century, following Mennonites in the U.S. and Canada becoming aware of the severe human suffering in what is now Ukraine around 1917. Initial efforts were driven by individual church donations. The Canadian Central Committee was established in October 1920, and by December of that year, the first relief sale was held in Herbert, Saskatchewan, raising $1,100 (equivalent to $17,245 today).
Growth in Popularity
Relief sales gained significant traction in Canada by 1967. The first major Canadian Relief Sale took place in New Hamburg, Ontario, inspired by a similar event in Pennsylvania. Margaret Brubacher played a crucial role, organizing women's groups to contribute baked goods, quilts, and other items, and successfully replicating Edna Ruth Byler’s famous donuts, despite the challenge of making the dough rise overnight in the cool New Hamburg Arena. The lesson here – don’t ever underestimate the power of deep-fried deliciousness, like rollkucken!
Modern-Day Relief Sales
Today, these events feature auctions of quilts, artisan goods, and other items. Visitors can enjoy local music, children’s activities, and regional delicacies like rollkuchen and Saskatoon berry pie. Whether you bid in an auction, donate items, help prepare and serve food, or volunteer on the day of the sale, you are making a significant impact.
Relief sales continue to thrive, showcasing the enduring power of community and the simple joy of sharing delicious food.
The Early Years
The concept of relief sales dates back to the early 20th century, following Mennonites in the U.S. and Canada becoming aware of the severe human suffering in what is now Ukraine around 1917. Initial efforts were driven by individual church donations. The Canadian Central Committee was established in October 1920, and by December of that year, the first relief sale was held in Herbert, Saskatchewan, raising $1,100 (equivalent to $17,245 today).
Growth in Popularity
Relief sales gained significant traction in Canada by 1967. The first major Canadian Relief Sale took place in New Hamburg, Ontario, inspired by a similar event in Pennsylvania. Margaret Brubacher played a crucial role, organizing women's groups to contribute baked goods, quilts, and other items, and successfully replicating Edna Ruth Byler’s famous donuts, despite the challenge of making the dough rise overnight in the cool New Hamburg Arena. The lesson here – don’t ever underestimate the power of deep-fried deliciousness, like rollkucken!
Modern-Day Relief Sales
Today, these events feature auctions of quilts, artisan goods, and other items. Visitors can enjoy local music, children’s activities, and regional delicacies like rollkuchen and Saskatoon berry pie. Whether you bid in an auction, donate items, help prepare and serve food, or volunteer on the day of the sale, you are making a significant impact.
Relief sales continue to thrive, showcasing the enduring power of community and the simple joy of sharing delicious food.