AFTER the 2019 fires many people found it difficult to replace things they lost, so Maureen Courtenay decided to set up a stall where every single item was free.
Now a team of six volunteers helps wherever there is an opportunity to set up for free – often at local markets in the Nambucca Valley.
“This is the 14th stall run over the last four years,” coordinator Maureen Courtenay told News Of The Area.
“The market people like us because we bring people in as we have around 60 or 70 regulars to the stall.”
People who may be reluctant to ask for help from a charity organisation in their distress were able to choose freely from the stall, Ms Courtenay said.
“Nobody here will ask any questions.”
Family, friends and community service groups are getting involved in the Giving Stall initiative by donating items.
“They prefer us to pass them on for free as the complaint has been that op-shops charge too much,” Ms Courtenay said.
“It’s great that some market stalls drop off what they don’t sell for us to give away.”
After the fires in 2019 Maureen built a garage on council land at South Arm to store the donations between stalls.
“We always look for help, especially packing up at the end of the day,” she said.
Val Bailey of Nambucca came back to thank the organisers of the stall while they were set up at Macksville Showgrounds during the Poultry Sale on 22 August.
Mrs Bailey’s husband Jeff was in an aged care facility when a physiotherapist recommended a walker without wheels to help him gain mobility.
Mrs Bailey searched in vain for 12 months and was amazed to find the exact model required waiting for her at the Giving Stall a few months ago.
“The physio has him standing up with it every day now,” Mrs Bailey said.
“Last month she began transferring Jeff from his wheelchair to bed using that walker.
I’m just so grateful. Someone didn’t need it anymore, but we certainly did,” she said.
Local teacher Rebecca White told News Of The Area it was the first time she has seen a free section at a community event.
“It’s building community by levelling the playing field and giving everyone an opportunity. There’s some quality goods here that people are willing to give away, which is great,” Mrs White said.
By Sharon JANE
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