The idea is for locals (who book a space for a nominal fee) to bring good quality, no longer needed household items that others might find useful. It is like a community garage sale. Some people come because they want to get rid of some stuff that is too good to throw into landfill (and they might make a bit of cash). Others come to browse and maybe pick up a bargain or that rare never-to-be-found-anywhere-else item.
The benefit of doing it all together is that it creates a mini-festival atmosphere. We add some music and food stalls, as well as workshops on recycling. There is face painting for the little ones and the opportunity to pick up some seedlings from the local Landcare group.
A few years ago, when the Uniting Harris Community Centre and the MustardSeed Uniting Church did a community survey, the most noted community need was opportunities for connections with neighbours. Even in this most densely populated part of the city, many people acknowledged their sense of isolation.
The community becomes more cohesive as we grow in our recognition and knowledge of one another.
