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An inaugural “community care fair” in Ōrewa in late August was so successful, the organiser says she’s planning for more in the future.
Danielle Watson of Coastie Events said a couple of hundred people came through the event at St Chad’s Church in Centreway Road over a three-hour period, accessing free donated products, advice and health services from a range of organisations represented.
“Communities were able to come in and grab products like nappies, wipes, hygiene products, food, toys, clothes and more at no cost,” she said. Stallholders offered free services and advice to visitors. On site were representatives of NZ Blood Service, Hear Again Whangaparāoa, Police, Hibiscus Coast Community Patrol, Time To Screen (including Bella, the inflatable walkthrough model of a bowel), Life Education, Steps Forward, Breast Cancer Foundation, Bargain Chemist and Mainly Music.
“I had a lovely experience near the start when I had 20 or so people come up and give me thank you cards and things, letting me know what the impact of events like this have on them, as people on a lower income,” Danielle said.
It was good to see people interacting with stallholders, having fun, and feeling comfortable rather than self-conscious.
“They could blend in, no strings attached, and not worry about how people were viewing them, because there were so many others there too.”
Danielle said she hopes to hold the next care fair early in the New Year, and is looking for a suitable time slot that does not overlap with other events planned in Ōrewa over the summer.
Info: contact Danielle Watson, 022 395 7786 or coastieevents@gmail.com
Visitors were able to access free food, clothing, toys, hygiene products and household items that had been donated for the event.
Danielle Watson of Coastie Events with Sandra Sweetman and Pam Crisp from Hibiscus Coast Community Patrol. Medical information and advice was on offer at no charge during the fair. (Photos, Kat/QSL Creative).
