Sunday Antiques show benefits Alzheimer Society

April 26, 2017 · 0 Comments

By Brock Weir

Local antique dealers have few nearby opportunities to show off their wares, but Sharon Sutton decided to take matters into her own hands this weekend – and all for a good cause – with the inaugural Aurora Antiques Show.
This Sunday, April 30, the Aurora Seniors’ Centre will be transformed into an antiques mecca featuring a variety of dealers specializing in everything from fine antique European furniture to accent items for your man cave.
“I have been wanting to host a show locally for a few years because there hasn’t been anything available and no great antique representation in Aurora, Newmarket and Richmond Hill,” says Ms. Sutton. “I used to get mad because I would have to drive at least into Toronto, or sometimes two or three hours out of town, just to show my wares. About six months ago, I thought, ‘this is stupid’ so I decided to do my own show.”
But, it is no ordinary antique show, it is one Ms. Sutton is holding in honour of her mother, who lived with Alzheimer’s Disease before her death 15 years ago.
“All of our exhibitors had to donate an item from their collections to participate in the show so we could have a silent auction, with all proceeds going to the Alzheimer Society of York Region,” says Ms. Sutton. “To give back to the Alzheimer Society is huge for us. Our family made a concerted effort through mum’s illness, and after her passing, to raise money – and my sister actually climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for the Canadian chapter of the Society.
“My mother didn’t use the facilities all that much as the day program was very new 20 years ago and the Society didn’t know half as much as they do now on how to help people, but they were very patient, they had some very good art classes, and it was a bit of a respite for my father to be able to drop her off for a few hours, paint and mix with the people there. It was very limited at the time though and while it has come leaps and bounds we need so many more of these facilities, even to give caregivers a rest.”
As dealers have been clamoring for local opportunities to make their sales, making the sale all for a good cause only sweetened the deal.
“Because of the demographics of Aurora, being a wealthy area, and customers have to go at least to Toronto, if not Dundas for the Christie show, or the Aberfoyle Market or Kingston if they want to do a good antique show, it is a long way to go all the time,” says Ms. Sutton. “Some people have travel restrictions, so the dealers from Aurora and Newmarket realised this is a good option to have their local customers come here as opposed to having to travel miles out of their way.”
In addition to the antique dealers, the show will also be an opportunity for groups like the Alzheimer Society and the Aurora Historical Society to highlight their work within the community, such as the upcoming Walk for Memories, and the AHS’ “adopt an artefact” program.
Local historian – and former AHS curator – Jacqueline Stuart will also be on hand to speak about local history and present her latest book An Aurora ABC: Stories from Aurora’s Forgotten Past. Certified appraisers will be available to answer questions on collections, property or estate.
The Aurora Antique Show will take place this Sunday, April 30, at the Aurora Seniors’ Centre on John West Way, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $3 and benefits the Alzheimer Society of York Region.