Out with the old and in with the new — community members can get a head start on their spring refresh at the Easter Bunny Craft, Rummage and Vintage Sale, taking place Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28 at St. Clements Anglican Church Hall, 1178 River Road in St. Andrews.
Ethan, 17, passed away in October after being struck by a vehicle in Selkirk. He was passionate about sports and supporting his community
The two-day event will raise funds for the Ethan Cruz Fiddler Memorial Scholarship Fund, created in honour of St. Andrews teen Ethan Fiddler, 17, who tragically passed away in October after being struck by a vehicle in Selkirk.
“Ethan was a real outgoing person who loved his family, his community and sports,” said his Nan, Lorie Fiddler. “He was a really good kid who was super proud of his Métis background and always looking for ways to support his community.”
The scholarship fund was established by Ethan’s aunts, Nola Fiddler and Kat Marsh, as a way to carry forward his dreams and ease some of the financial pressure that comes with pursuing post-secondary education.
This year, the fund will award two scholarships to graduates of Lord Selkirk Regional Comprehensive Secondary School — the Class of 2026, the group Ethan would have graduated with. One scholarship will support a Promoting Aboriginal Student Success (P.A.S.S.) student, while the other will contribute to a general scholarship.
“All the students at the Comp have been working so hard, and we know that Ethan would be proud of this support for them,” Fiddler added.
To date, approximately $13,000 has been raised. Now, Selkirk and area’s Grandparent Squad — a collective of more than 25 community members dedicated to improving the lives of local families — are once again joining forces to boost that total.
The group, who have banded together for more than a decade, is organizing the Easter Bunny Craft, Rummage and Vintage Sale as its latest community-driven initiative.
The sale will run March 27 from 1 to 5 p.m. and March 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Twenty vendors will offer handmade goods, vintage finds and second-hand treasures. Shoppers can also browse a wide selection of silent auction prizes, purchase 50/50 tickets, try their luck at a booze draw, and enjoy hotdogs, cookies and beverages at the concession.
Linda Rosser said the group is excited to welcome spring by bringing people together for a meaningful cause. Inkster added that the response from businesses and residents has already been overwhelmingly positive.
“This positivity brings a lot of heart, which I can feel in my whole body,” she said. “Seeing the community come together proves to us this initiative is worth our effort.”
Several local businesses have stepped up in support. McDonald’s Selkirk will supply coffee and cookies for the concession, while the Selkirk Friendship Centre is donating hotdogs and cold beverages. South Beach Casino and Canalta Hotel have each contributed an overnight stay, and Larters and Selkirk Golf Clubs have donated multiple rounds of golf — just a few examples of the many contributions helping keep Ethan’s memory alive.
Additionally, until March 31 The Mighty Kiwi in Selkirk will have a featured smoothie called the “#12: The Scholar-sip Smoothie” in honour of Ethan who played in jersey 12 on the Royal’s basketball team. $1 from every smoothie sold will be donated to the Ethan Cruz Fiddler Memorial Scholarship Fund and the smoothie is a blend of almond milk, blueberry, mango, banana and vanilla yoghurt topped with whipped cream to mimic one of Ethan’s favourite treats— blueberry milkshakes.
“Our hope for this month is to not only raise money for his scholarship fund but to share the love and memory of him with our community,” The Mighty Kiwi owners shared in their monthly newsletter. “He has been and will continue to be missed and remembered everyday by all of those who were lucky enough to know and love him.”
Fiddler said the generosity has been one of the most meaningful parts of the planning process.
“People coming together and offering their support makes this experience feel whole,” she said. “I hope people feel good about helping the future generation.”
Among the vendors is local artist Bev Hart, who will be selling original prints and paintings. Working primarily in acrylic and watercolour, Hart describes her pieces as “not perfect, but unique.”
As a self-taught artist with decades of experience, Hart began sewing with her grandmother before turning to painting about 30 years ago.
“From there, it just morphed,” she said. “The flair was thriving.”
Drawing inspiration from her imagination, Hart creates a wide range of pieces designed to appeal to many tastes. She said she’s looking forward to taking part in the sale, both to support the scholarship fund and to encourage others to bring more art into their lives.
“I have a lot of pieces and I like to share them,” she said. “It’s good for people to have the chance to admire art — it’s fulfilling both to them and the artist.”
Monetary donations and silent auction prizes are also being accepted. Silent auction contributions close March 20, while monetary donations will continue to be accepted on an ongoing basis. For donation arrangements, contact Jeannie Inkster at 1-204-793-2674.
Looking ahead, the Grandparent Squad hopes to continue growing the Ethan Cruz Fiddler Memorial Scholarship Fund in the years to come.
“It’s been so healing having the community support,” Rosser said. “Come out to the event and support a great cause — there will be something for everyone to enjoy.”
Admission to the sale is free, with food items available by donation. For more information, residents are encouraged to contact any member of the Grandparent Squad.
