The Port Elgin Beach Market is looking for non-profit groups in Saugeen Shores, particularly groups involving youth, to volunteer and earn cash for their club.

Hub Staff

Now in its 40th year, the Port Elgin Beach Market is in the full swing and this year local non-profit groups, particularly youth, are benefiting from the weekly event by earning cash in exchange for help.

Volunteers are being given $500 for their Saugeen Shores organization for helping organizers in the set up, tear down and admission collection at weekly flea market at the Port Elgin Main Beach.

The flea market runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each Wednesday through the summer, June 26 to August 28, and is organized by Port Elgin Pumpkinfest (PEP) who took over the market this year from the Port Elgin Tourist Association.

At a cheque presentation July 9, Pumpkinfest Coordinator Joanne Robbins presented Kaitlyn Shular of Rotary's Saugeen Shores Interact Club with a cheque for $1,000 for help with the first two markets of the season.

Robbins said that other local non-profit groups, the Saugeen Shores Lifesaving Club and Breakers Swim Team have signed up to earn funds for their club. “It's moving tables around, putting the garbage cans out, doing all that lifting and lugging,” she said. “Taking quarters at the door and then helping us tear down.”

There are still weekly slots available throughout the summer, Robbins said, and encouraged more Saugeen Shores organizations to take advantage of the fundraising opportunity. “I'd really like to support local youth,” said Robbins.

For more information and how to apply visit pumpkinfest.org/information/news/local-fundraising-opportunity.

The Port Elgin Beach Market is a popular Saugeen Shores destination every Wednesday throughout the summer holidays.

Pumpkinfest Coordinator Joanne Robbins (left) presented Kaitlyn Shular of Rotary's Saugeen Shores Interact Club with a cheque for $1,000 from the Port Elgin Beach Market for their help with the first two markets of the season.

Admission to the weekly market is 25 cents and Saugeen Shores Life Saving Club members, from left, Anderson Haugh (10), Bryce McFadden (9) and Ethan Hodgson (9) were busy collecting quarters July 10.

Presley McFadden (left) and Beckett Haugh of the Saugeen Shores Lifesaving Club Minnows/Nippers were helping out at the Port Elgin Beach Market, earning money for their club.