From fluffy handcuffs to bench ovens, fishing gear to vintage clocks. Pakeke Lions Ashburton has sold a wide range of furniture and household items at its annual charity market over the years.
This year already some unusual items are coming through the door as members prepare for the market, to be held November 9 and 10 at the Ashburton A&P Showground home industries shed.
First vice-president Dave Bennett described the event as ‘‘a big garage sale’’.
Items donated so far include a metal detector, liquid embroidery set, pogo stick, vibrating exercise machine, fish tank, framed pictures, furniture, dolls, stroller, keyboard, high chair, manicure set and much more.
‘‘You just never know what’s going to turn up,’’ Bennett said.
‘‘People are really generous. Some really good stuff has come through over the years.’’
The value of items donated ranged from $2 up to more than $1000. But when it came to pricing, they were priced to sell.
Last year a piano accordian sold for $250 and a lawnmower for $75, while most items range from $1 to $50.
The club, which turns 45 next year, started the charity market in the mid-1980s. It is a major fundraiser for the club, having raised about $17,000 each year for the last five years.
The market is as popular as Ashburton’s iconic Bookarama on opening day, as up to 100 will queue at the door and wait for it to open.
‘‘Someone once described it, they said it’s like opening the chicken house door.’’
Bennett said members enjoyed the charity market as much as the customers.
‘‘It’s a time of fellowship and fun and much banter and an opportunity to interact with the public who come looking for a bargain.’’
He added the club was seeking new members. It welcomed men and women who wanted to serve Ashburton and make it a better place to live.
‘‘It also gives the members an opportunity to enjoy each other’s company and provide fellowship and fun at our activities.’’
Activities included street appeals, Day Care driving, Meals on Wheels, assisting at the Ashburton A & P Show, tree planting, fundraising at events, sponsoring youth, and building projects.
The club had contributed more than $450,000 to Ashburton. Projects it had undertaken over the years included restoration of the Sexton Hutt at the cemetery, buying a van to transport rest home residents to appointments. This year members are upgrading a bridge at the Ashburton Domain west end, with new side rails and a coat of paint.
* Items for the Pakeke Lions Ashburton Charity Market, 9amnoon November 9 and 10, can be dropped to the market venue of the Ashburton A & P Showgrounds home industries shed November 4 to 8. If you want members to pick up items, phone Dave Bennett 0272323093.
