By Marcus Uhe
Restored old clocks, locally produced essential oils and foot-warmers will be among the items available at the Backpacks 4 Vic Kids’ first pop-up market on Wednesday 18 May from outside their Cranbourne West headquarters.
The Narre Warren Scout Group will be on the barbecues cooking a sausage sizzle and there will be a food truck running, for those keen on grabbing a bite to eat as the sun goes down.
12 stalls will operate on the night, deliberately capped at a small number in order to focus on local establishments, Lisa Hester from B4VK said.
“It’s an opportunity for smaller businesses to be seen and have a chance to promote themselves in the community,” Ms Hester said.
“It’s a bit scary for people when they start a new business and go to a big market, so we definitely wanted to keep it small.”
All funds raised from the market will go towards the charity’s Annual Giving Day total on Friday 10 June, with an overall donation goal of $75,000, enough to fund 1000 My Essentials (ME) backpacks.
Natural disasters both domestically and abroad have meant the team at B4VK have been extremely busy in 2022, having provided 120 backpacks for children in both Lismore and Tonga, following flooding and the Pacific Ocean underwater volcano eruption, respectively.
While the money raised will allow the organisation to produce more bags for children in-need, there is still an opportunity to make a valuable contribution to packs yourself through donating in-demand products.
As the mercury drops, warmer clothing and pyjamas are among the more sought-after products, along with toiletries, such as cotton balls, tissues, toothpaste and more.
The market will take place from 4pm to 8pm on Wednesday 18 May at 26 Remount Way, Cranbourne West.
For more information on what goods can be donated, check the B4VK website at backpacks4vickids.org.au/goods
