Sunnidale Park Market organizers Christina and Char had so much fun at their first market in June, they are doing it again!
The two organized the inaugural market to raise money and donations for the Elizabeth Fry Society (EFRY) of Simcoe Muskoka. This market will do the same.
EFRY helps marginalized women and youth in communities through a variety of programming and supports. Joyce Kope House is a women’s 25-bed homeless shelter and halfway house in Barrie, run by EFRY.
“We were blown away by the support at our first market,” said Char. “It was such a fun night, and Barrie made an impact. We raised $922.75 cash and about $1000 of in-kind donations for the Elizabeth Fry Society. We were really thrilled.”
The two entrepreneurs (Christina owns Gillbillies Candle Corp. and Char owns Two Cups of Tea Studio) had never organized a market before, but they didn’t let that stop them.
“We were positively overwhelmed by the support we received from our fantastic vendors, community, friends, and family. A special shout out must go to the volunteers from EFRY, our awesome DJ and our beautiful face painter extraordinaire. We couldn’t have done it without everyone involved and their dedication and belief in us,” said Christina.
This September 14 from 5 to 9 p.m., the pair will host the second Walk in the Park Sunnidale Park Market, indoors, at the Dorian Parker Centre at Sunnidale Park.
“There will be over 30 creative and artisanal vendors at our September market. There will be delicious food, amazing music, a psychic, free temporary tattoos for kids, and three raffle gift baskets with products from our makers and creators,” enthused Char.
“Yes, we are really excited about our raffle gift baskets,” Christina chimed in. “Our vendors have been so generous and donated so many wonderful items to them. Customers will be able to buy raffle tickets to enter to win one of these beauties.”
Char added, “At our June market, if you bought $20 worth of raffle tickets, you got a tax receipt from EFRY. Those EFRY volunteers were kept very busy with all the tax receipts they had to write out for generous donors.”
Admission to Sunnidale Park Market on September 14 is by donation of cash or needed items to EFRY. Those needed items include: new, unused, hygiene products (deodorant, bodywash, tampons, shampoo & conditioner); unopened, coffee, tea, juice boxes, packaged bars, dish soap, peanut butter, jam, Nutella, fruit to go bars, Cheez Whiz; laundry pods; new notebooks, colouring books, pencil crayons and travel mugs; new socks and underwear, track pants, T-shirts and sweatshirts.
If donating cash, donors will receive raffle tickets for the gift baskets.
“We are really excited to have another wonderful event for the artisans and vendors, the attendees, and the Elizabeth Fry Society,” said Char. “It’s really such a rewarding thing to be able to help so many people through this one event. We hope to see everyone there to enjoy!”
A Walk in Sunnidale Park, a Sunnidale Park Market, is on September 14 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Dorian Parker Centre in Sunnidale Park.
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