_____

April 6, 2020

For Immediate Release

OTTAWA, ON:

Based on recommendations from Public Health regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Glebe Community Association and the Glebe Business Improvement Area have decided to cancel this year’s Great Glebe Garage and Sidewalk Sale planned for May 23, 2020.

The decision to cancel rather than postpone was a difficult one given the importance of the event to the vitality of our community, our local businesses and the organizations that use it to fundraise each year.

This is especially true for the Ottawa Food Bank, which has traditionally benefited from donations as a result of the sale.

“Last year our neighbourhood raised almost $12,000 for the Ottawa Food Bank through the Great Glebe Garage Sale,” says Colette Downie, coordinator for the sale for the Glebe Community Association. “We would love to see everyone head to the Ottawa Food Bank website right now to help make up this shortfall and to continue to send business to our local Glebe merchants who are struggling at this difficult time.”

Glebe BIA Executive Director Andrew Peck notes that while it’s disappointing that such an important event won’t go ahead this yearas planned, it was the right decision to make.

“It’s important that we all follow absolute compliance in the short term,” said Andrew Peck, Executive Director of the Glebe BIA. “That’s the only way we’re going to get through this. None of us want to deal with a situation like this again.”

About the Glebe Community Association

The Glebe Community Association is a volunteer, non-profit, membership-based and City-recognized organization advocating for a liveable, sustainable, diverse urban neighbourhood. The GCA informs, consults and engages with residents and other groups in the Glebe on issues of importance and promotes the interests of our community with all levels of government and other organizations. Learn more: glebeca.ca.

About the Glebe BIA

The Glebe Business Improvement Area is a non-profit organization dedicated to making the Glebe thrive. Our organization represents nearly 400 business and property owners throughout the Glebe. As champions for the neighbourhood we aim to promote the unique character of this historic and dynamic neighbourhood, support its many businesses and let the world know the Glebe is a great place to eat, shop, play and do business. To learn more about the Glebe BIA, visit us online at www.intheglebe.ca.