Many of you knew Ed Poling – and what some of you may have known is that in addition to his passion for hiking and for HARC, he loved kayaking and the cause of Brethren Disaster Ministries as well.

Now, Ed’s widow, Marge, has donated two of Ed’s favorite kayaks and their newest loading equipment to be sold this coming Saturday, May 2, at the Mid-Atlantic District Church of the Brethren’s big auction day fundraiser in Westminster, Md., to benefit its disaster response ministry!

Brethren Disaster Ministries sends teams of childcare volunteers, when called upon by the American Red Cross to help survivors after tornadoes, wildfires and other natural disasters, as well as teams of other skilled volunteers to help disaster survivors, of any faith, rebuild their homes. Money raised at the auction goes to support this work with tools and specialized trailers, as well as to support global churches and partners in disaster areas overseas.

What’s to be sold of Ed’s includes:

Acadia Perception kayak… green, single-seater, with paddle… 12’4″ long

Zirconia liquidlogic kayak… blue, tandem (two-seater), with paddle… about 14′ long

TOOENJOY Elevating Roof Rack 302… You can mount this onto a car- or truck-top roof rack system and, as the manufacturer says, “effortlessly raise and lower kayaks, canoes, bicycles, snowboards, stand-up paddleboards, ladders, cargo boxes and more”, without straining your back. These two elevating roof racks were used in a pair to tote two kayaks, but the manufacturer shows that just one can be used if you’re taking only one kayak. Ed’s have been kept indoors and are only a few years old.

Yakima LongArm truck bed extender… Attaching to your truck hitch, this strong but light-weight t-shaped bar can make your truck bed up to four feet longer for carrying one or two kayaks, or other long cargo. This equipment is being sold with an added extender so that when the LongArm is pivoted and locked into a vertical position, your cargo may also be supported by your cab’s rooftop rack system. Purchased new in 2022, this Yakima bed extender has been kept inside a garage.

Two-wheeled kayak carrier… By placing one end of your kayak atop this and using a strap (not included) to cinch it tight, you can pick up the kayak’s other end… and off, you go to pull it to a lake and back again, rather than having to bear all that weight yourself.

To see Ed’s kayaks and equipment, as well as the fundraiser’s other attractions including sales of plants and foods, plus auction of many items including quilts, tools, resort stays, antiques and even a new auction of toys, dolls, etc., in which only children may bid… look at the fundraiser’s big booklet.