N.B. man with cancer wants to sell his stuff and meet some new friends. Both are happening

CBC

24-05-2025

Getting rid of unused items has become a priority for Gerry Carroll, so he decided to sell them out of his car's trunk.
Carroll, from Riverview, N.B., has terminal cancer and says he wants to leave less clutter for his wife.
He said he's been hoarding items since 1967. He believes he only has a year or two to get rid of his things.
"I would say that people in my generation didn't have a lot and when they did get something, or accumulate items, they had a tendency to keep them, and I still have that habit," he said.
His habit of collecting stuff from yard sales got worse over time. There was no room left in his garage.
Carroll said where he lives now isn't suitable for his own garage sale.
So, inspired by a practice in England, he organized an event where people sell stuff out of the trunk of their car.
"My time to do this may be limited and my wife wants me to make things easier for her, should I escape this world," he said.
A social media post made by Carroll yielded a lot of response. He partnered with a property owner in Moncton, who let him use his empty lot on Mountain Road.
Carroll said the idea is for anyone interested to show up and set up shop. He said he also plans to have a food truck on site and possibly some music in the future.
"There's nothing in it for me monetarily. It's just satisfaction of seeing an idea put into place and working and hopefully get rid of my stuff," he said.
The first event happened on Saturday morning with four vendors, including Carroll and the property owner. A food truck was also to arrive later in the day, said Carroll.
He said it isn't all business. It's intended to be a social gathering, too.
Timothy Girwan was one of the vendors who set up his shop at 8:30 a.m. He made about $85 over the first four hours, he said.
Girwan said he likes to buy stuff at auctions and is also a member of a few buy-and-sell Facebook groups.
He said he connected with Carroll after hearing about his event.
"I think it's going to be a great venue to … probably make some new friends and get out and enjoy ourselves," he said.
Wendy Deschenes had advertised online about her participation in the event and had several customers visit her. Some showed up before she could even set up her display, she said.
"I've had some people from Sackville," she said "I've had lots of people from Moncton."