Fertilizer sales have been brisk, and John and Teresa Tepylo have already sold more in two days this year than in the entire three-day charity fundraiser last year.
Parked in the Pine Plaza’s Rexall parking lot since Friday, the Tepylos will be unloading bags from the truck for their final sale day today, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“It’s cheaper than you get in the store,” noted John. “Fertilizer prices went up. That’s why our sales are a really good deal and what we raise goes to charity,” with all proceeds slated for Thorold Community Care and St. Vincent de Paul Society of Holy Rosary Church, both of which assist impoverished people in the community.
“On Friday, we sold 130 bags,” he told ThoroldNews, and by 4 p.m. Saturday, another 150 bags, with the 28-4-8 mix being the most popular.
“Sunday is a perfect day” to apply it, he added, “because it’s supposed to rain Monday.”
An avid gardener, John can answer any questions related to applying the different types, and offer discounts for bulk purchases.
This is the couple’s 10th year hosting the fertilizer fundraiser, and this year they’ve been assisted in their efforts by Niagara Orchard & Vineyard Corp.
“They supplied the truck and we get the fertilizer on consignment,” said John. And not only is it cheaper; “It saves people from Thorold from driving to garden centres so they are also getting a benefit; not just the charity.”
Each year, the event also helps local students earn community service hours.
The Tepylos said Thorold Secondary, Monsignor Clancy and Denis Morris students have all pitched in, slugging the heavy bags as well as cheerleading and ringing a cowbell on the sidewalk to attract drivers along Pine Street to the sale.
Prices are the same as last year, and include all taxes for five different varieties, as follows:
10-10-10, general purpose fertilizer - $22
15-15-15, general purpose fertilizer - $26
21-7-7, 50 per cent slow release fertilizer - $27
28-4-8, 60 per cent slow release fertilizer - $28
10-20-20, fall lawn fertilizer - $28
