A wonderful priest in Oakville

I have personal reasons for being deeply thankful for Rev. Paul Charbonneau. Here's a story about him by Sue Careless in the Anglican Planet:

For six years now they have held their annual Great Garage Sale Giveaway. At first glance it looks like your typical rummage sale. There are racks upon racks of second-hand clothes, tables laden with used toys and books and household items. But look closer. There are no price tags or cash boxes. Not even a place to leave donations.

Instead each shopper is encouraged to take a small note that says:

Yes…it really is free!

We hope this small act of kindness brings some light today. It’s a simple way of saying God loves you – no strings attached. Please let us know if we can be of any assistance.

People want to know where they can pay.

“We’re really adamant about not taking any money, not even when they insist it’s for the church,” says the Rev. Paul Charbonneau, rector of St. Hilda’s. “We want to express the tangible love of Christ for people. It’s a tangible expression of the grace of God. There’s a surprise element. It opens the door for people to share; it leaves the door wide open.”

There are no limits set on how much people can take.

“Most people are conservative in what they take. I want them to take more,” says the priest. “You move more stuff if it’s free. Even if you charged a penny an item it would not move as well.”

So it is a great recycling project. One year they gave away a small sailboat! Nor do they prevent folk from reselling. Twice a fellow has come and the congregation knows he resells the goods but they consider him “one in a hundred.”

Every Thursday St Hilda’s delivers free food to needy families. These families are given a flier about the giveaway and are invited to come early to have first crack at the best stuff.