Nanaimo’s gardens will grow, and the Barsby Bulldogs will grow as a team.
The John Barsby Secondary School football program is holding its garden manure sale, its major annual fundraiser, this weekend (March 20-22).
Several truckloads of cow manure will be dumped at the school’s back parking lot off Bruce Avenue, and the players will man the shovels filling 18-kilogram bags.
The bags cost $5 each, or five for $20 on pickup orders. Gardeners can also arrange for delivery if they pre-order at the school office this week.
All proceeds from the sale go to uniforms and protective equipment.
Rob Stevenson, Barsby Bulldogs coach, said the fundraiser is “huge” for the program each year.
“We want to make sure our kids are wearing the safest equipment and that our inventory’s up to date,” he said. “As well, you get some wear and tear on your uniforms.”
Aside from the fundraising aspect, the garden manure sale is also a chance for team building, the coach believes.
“Players from the eighth grade to the 11th grade all have a hand in putting the shirts on their backs,” said Stevenson.
“[And] it’s the first big tryout. We get to find out who has staying power – it’s hard work. Very quickly you find the mettle of your team, who the hustlers are and who the guys are that are trying to take a break when they shouldn’t be.”
The sale goes Friday from 2:30-5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., or while supplies last.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com