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Storm-Hit Pie Auction Raises Big for Kids
8 Sep
Summary
- Annual pie auction raised $108,100 for John McGivney Children's Centre.
- Event postponed due to severe weather but still nearly broke records.
- The auction has cumulatively raised over $709,000 since its start.
The annual Harrow Fair Memorial Pie Auction, a significant fundraiser for the John McGivney Children's Centre, achieved an impressive $108,100 despite a severe storm that caused its postponement. The event, initially scheduled for Thursday, September 4th, 2026, was moved to Friday, September 5th, 2026, due to extreme weather that included tornados in the Windsor-Essex area. This amount is among the highest ever raised in the auction's history, according to Jennifer Jovanovski, CEO of the children's centre.
The Stannard family established the auction nearly 30 years ago in memory of their son Todd, who benefited from Red Cross programs, a predecessor to the centre. The family, led by Mark and Lisa Stannard and their sons Philip and Owen, continues to spearhead the event. Since its inception, the auction has amassed a total of $709,322 for the centre, which provides crucial pediatric rehabilitation services.
While tents at the fairgrounds were damaged by the storm, the nearly 70 pies were safely stored indoors. The most valuable pie of the event sold for an astounding $16,700. Jovanovski expressed gratitude for the community's sustained support, especially during challenging economic times.
