Austin show supports family cancer battle

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Published on Saturday, April 15, 2017

By Miranda Leybourne

The Neepawa Banner

The first annual Austin Toy & Collectible Show & Sale is happening at the Austin Community Hall on Sat, Apr. 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Bill Reimer, one of the people who helped to think up and organize the event, says he’s very excited to show off his immense collection of farm toys. He and 17 other collectors will have two tables each to display their collectibles, and some of the items will be for sale. Reimer says collectors from all over the southern part of the province will be in attendance, including from communities such as Steinbach, Winkler, Winnipeg and more. There will also be food and refreshments.

The cost to attend the show and sale is set at $2 for people aged 12 years old and over, and Reimer says that any money that is left over after paying for the costs to hold the event will be donated to the family of Owen Guenther, a three-year-old boy from Gladstone who is battling cancer.

Reimer says that people in the Austin and surrounding area are very motivated to help the Guenther family in any way they can. 

“It’s a very good thing, the way this community is getting together and raising some money for somebody that needs it,” Reimer explains. “People are willing to give.”

According to Reimer, the Guenthers were hesitant at the idea of accepting the donations at first, but are also very grateful for the help from the organizers of the toy show and sale. 

“It’s just like everybody else -- who wants to accept money from other people? We never want to accept money from someone else,” he attests. “They’re hard working people, that family. Very hard working. They’re very good people.”

For more information on the Austin toy show and sale, call Reimer at 204-637-2482.