Christmas market boost for Sallies
Nelsonians can knock off their Christmas shopping and help others at this year’s Great Christmas Market. The market which sells quality handmade New Zealand items is back at Founders Heritage Park for its third year on Sunday.
This year’s market is the biggest so far with more than 90 stalls selling handmade items peppered through the park.
Shoppers and stall holders can donate a present to the Salvation Army at a drop off point in Founders Windmill.
The charity will distribute the gifts to struggling families to help ease Christmas stress.
‘‘There is such a good atmosphere on market day and it’s a nice to remember Christmas is a time of giving,’’ organiser Paula Layton said.
‘‘We hope to see loads of handmade love go into the present drop.’’
Paula said the stalls sell beautiful, quality items and believes the gifts from the market would be treasured.
‘‘I just think handmade goods are that little bit more special rather than all the plastic stuff.’’
The market takes inspiration from the European Christmas markets, and the New Zealand arts and crafts revival.
Crafts from the Nelson region and New Zealand will be on sale. Christchurch artisans were particularly keen to take part this year.
‘‘Word of mouth is working in the craft circles and people are hearing good things about Nelson’s special Christmas market.’’
Last year an estimated 4000 people attended the market and Paula predicts this year will be no different.
The Granary and Energy Centre will have more than 70 stalls with a further 20 in Founders’ grounds.
Paula wants people to enjoy the day and make a day of it. Food will be available from stalls, and a cafe at the Granary.
Founders Brewery and Cafe will also be open. Harakeke wine will be for sale in the Granary.
A ‘‘eatery and picnic area’’ will be set up on the grass.
Nelson foodie Nicola Galloway will run cooking demonstrations of her favourite Christmas treat recipes.
Grove St Kindergarten, The Brook Waimarama Sanctuary and Project Butterfly are fundraising at the market.
Regional communities ministries manager Major Jill Knight said the present drop was a great idea.
She said last year that it could provide the presents for struggling families, so they could pay the power bill. The present drop’s timing was also great as it helped them prepare for Christmas, rather than leaving everything to the final weeks.
She said a growing number bought gifts during the sales and dropped them off in early December.
The Christmas appeal worked well in Nelson as the Salvation Army was the main charity that ran it, she said, although Women’s Refuge did its own.
Agencies steered people to the Salvation Army, donated goods went where needed, she said.
Last year the Salvation Army helped about 1000 children and adults and she was expecting similar numbers this year.
She said families that needed help could visit its premises on Rutherford St or its family stores in Richmond and Motueka.
The Great Christmas Market. Sunday 10am till 4pm at Founders Park, Nelson.