91原创鈥檚 St. Andrew鈥檚 Church held its annual fall fair for the first time in almost three years since pandemic restrictions lifted.

The fair consisted of a variety of children鈥檚 toys, drinking glasses, car seat covers, and work equipment, among many other items, donated by members of the church and neighbours.

鈥淚t used to be an annual garage sale in September but we didn鈥檛 do it while the pandemic was [happening], so this is our first time trying again,鈥� said Andrew Halladay, vicar at the church.

Proceeds of the garage sale go back to the church to support its programs. A mini concession with snacks and hotdogs was provided during the fair.

鈥淲e鈥檙e really excited to get back to having more regular events,鈥� he added.

For the first time this year, the church invited local vendors to be a part of the fair and sell their homemade crafts and baked goods.

鈥淪ome of the people that used to organize the fair have passed away, so we weren鈥檛 [sure how to spread the word] and we thought [local vendors] would help beef it up,鈥� Halladay explained.

The church also had its repair cafe, which occurs every Saturday, hosted by Rob Hollins.

Hollins has repaired community members鈥� items for one year at St. Andrew鈥檚, but has attended repair cafes across the Lower Mainland for several years.

鈥淧eople can bring in small appliances like blenders or printers, and these volunteers will fix it up,鈥� Halladay said.

Rosemary Hetu, member of the church, took charge of organizing the vendor market section of the fall fair at St. Andrew鈥檚, and had her own booth selling her knitted mittens, hats, and homemade jams.

鈥淎 lot of people came from other markets I visited,鈥� she said, adding the church is considering hosting a boot sale next.

Halladay said the church is holding a concert with the Orpheus Choir in December, with proceeds split between the church and choir.

He鈥檚 also in discussion with 91原创 City to have a medical van in the church parking lot.

鈥淥n the bridge behind [us] there鈥檚 a lot of people who sleep under the bridge or in the bushes, and they use the church building for water and electricity and sleeping. We think it would be good to have outreach workers here more often,鈥� Halladay said.

Last year, St. Andrew鈥檚 Church held an emergency weather shelter, but it comes with a cost, Halladay noted.

鈥淲e鈥檙e happy to do it, but there are costs that come with it. That kind of outreach is something we really want to support,鈥� he said.

鈥淭he church really wants to connect with the community around it.鈥�

READ ALSO: LEPS, volunteers plant food and mini forests in 91原创

IN OTHER NEWS: No Christmas in Williams Park a possibility, organizer warns