Where can one find an evening gown nestled beside a set of golf clubs ? all for much less than the original price ? and contribute to a good cause?

Any bargain shopper in Bermuda will tell you that the best place to find a deal is at the Barn, which is celebrating 40 years as a haven for the thrifty shopper ? and a major fundraiser for the Island?s hospitals.

Operated by the Hospitals Auxiliary Board (HAB), the Barn first began in an actual barn on the Paget property of Sir Henry and Lady Tucker.

It all began with a white elephant sale, explained a press release from the HAB.

Four decades later, a deal can still be found at the Barn, but the shop is now located across the street from St. Brendan?s Hospital.

?The Barn continues to be an appealing place to shop for two reasons,? said HAB president Joy Williams.

?Firstly, patrons know that money received benefits our hospitals.

?Secondly, they know they are getting the best deal in town. In fact, the Barn was presented with the Bermuda Gold Award in 1998 and 1999 as the best place to shop for bargains.?

Shoppers can find just about anything at the Barn ? every day clothes, books and household objects come through the doors.

?Clothes and books are the most likely items to be donated, but we have received appliances, furniture, golf clubs, evening gowns and even musical instruments,? said manager Ann Ross.

More than 80 volunteers give their time to the Barn. Half the volunteers are over 70 years old and one is 92 years old.

?Without our volunteers we would not realise such success,? said Mrs. Williams. ?The amount of effort that goes into categorising the donations is monumental.

?Each item is inspected by a volunteer and then those deemed sellable are tagged to join the vast array of items for sale. Through our volunteer hours we are able to save the Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) thousands of dollars each year.?

BHB CEO Joan Dillas-Wright said: ?The HAB is a wonderful support to the Bermuda Hospitals Board and it is a tribute to their hard work that they are celebrating their 40th anniversary this month.?

Currently the Barn is open on Thursdays and Saturdays. The HAB hopes to add a third day but will need more volunteers to do so.

?Men and women, young and old, are very welcome to volunteer,? said Mrs. Williams. ?Anyone that wants to help out for the good of healthcare in Bermuda.?

The Barn is located on Devon Springs Road.

It is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursdays and Saturdays.