Market Place in the City
This year the Adelaide Office undertook our Helping with Hands project at the “The Market Place in the City” a volunteer event managed by the Salvation Army.
Helping with Hands – Market Place
Occurring on the first Friday of every month, the Market Place offers those within the community that are not so fortunate, the opportunity to collect produce and goods free of charge.
Tables of fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy products, packaged goods, drinks, cereals and baked goods are available for the community to select from. With a “help yourself” approach, shoppers are provided with a shopping bag to fill, and encouraged to make healthy selections in a dignified and supportive environment.
People who visit the Market Place are from all walks of life, young single mums, elderly men and women, families, women that are rebuilding their lives after escaping domestic violence, many of which live in government housing or on our streets.
As Volunteers we were required to:
- Prepare bags of Vegetables and Fruit
- Stock Produce Tables
- Man tables and assist shoppers with food selection
- Re-stock tables as the morning progresses
- Connect with guests through genuine care and conversation
- Assist with the pack down of Market Place
- Clear left over goods
- Pack down tables
Across the morning, over 500 people from all walks of life passed through the Market Place receiving much needed food and drinks for themselves and their families. Overall the team found the volunteer work quite humbling and extremely rewarding to help those who really struggle to make ends meet. Those from our office that were unable to make today’s event will be in attendance at the next scheduled Market Place.
