The Boys and Girls Youthwise Centre are hosting a garage sale this weekend to support water and sanitation for a village in Columbia.

The centre has been collecting gently used items from families that will be accompanied by baking created by the centre's youth. The items will be sold by donation on Saturday, January 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The centre is located at 120 7th Ave S.

The Youthwise after school program welcomes youth ages seven to 12 to learn about eco-friendly and healthy initiatives.

"We try and do a variety of different things and someway include that aspect of it," said Lori MacNeil, program manager.

There are 30 kids who attend the program. Last year they built a greenhouse and learned about plants. This year they have been learning about other countries. The youth have discovered the things they take for granted at home that other kids their age may not have.

"We've been doing lots of learning about kids overseas," MacNeil said. "We're just talking about helping others."

That idea sparked the garage sale fundraiser, which also ties into the eco-friendly lesson.

"What you don't want anymore, someone else can use," MacNeil said.

The youth have chosen to support Plan Canada's water and sanitation project after one attendee brought in a gift card that purchased two chickens for a family in need. The charity will allow the youth to see exactly where their money goes, so they can see their efforts making an impact.

"We can follow the project in the future," MacNeil said. "The kids can see this is the money we're raising, and this is where it's going."

To get involved with Youthwise, contact MacNeil at (250) 426-4439.