This gratitude post is all about how a community of family, friends and volunteers came together to create a most magical holiday event on November 22.

It all started the Fall of 2024 when we had the idea of holding a Free Market for families who may be struggling with the added expense the holidays can bring.

With nothing more than a vague idea, no venue and no other community involvement, we set out to make it happen! We first reached out to our friends and family to start setting aside new or nearly new items that we could offer to potential guests.

We then asked Tim Halman, MLA for Dartmouth East and Brad McGowan, MLA for Cole Harbour for their support – and they were all in! Next we had to find a venue. After many options turned out to not work for one reason or another, we were put in contact with a most wonderful gentleman named Patrick Donahoe at St. Luke’s Anglican Church. We met Patrick and discovered our goals for supporting the community aligned perfectly, so he offered the church hall. (He also got Giant Tiger and Superstore to donate cookies!) This turned our idea into an event!

Next we contacted Woodlawn High principal, Craig Campbell. He enlisted their guidance department, social workers and SchoolsPlus workers to create a list of families they felt would be receptive to an invitation. And off we went!

So, on Saturday as families nervously walked in with their invitation in hand, maybe a little skeptical at first, possibly apprehensive, we set to work to make sure they felt welcomed, respected and above all else, happy they took a chance to attend.

It was pure joy to all the volunteers who watched those same families go from nervous and apprehensive, to relaxed (some even dancing along to the Christmas music 🎶 ) as they shopped their way through the wide selection of items to choose from. They grabbed refreshments and treats, enjoyed the kids corner and face painting and on their way out we wrapped their treasures with love before sending them on their way to enjoy the rest of their day.

As you can see from this long post, none of this was possible without the help and commitment from so many others. From Tim, Lucie (and family), Emily, and Brad to Craig, Lara, Danita and Jillian, to Patrick and all our volunteers this weekend, Lilly, Teyah, Will, Georgia, Courtnee, Melanie, Aly, Jennifer, Danielle and Kelly and so many more that donated items – we are so grateful to each and every one of you for making this event so very special.

We are already looking forward to next year 🎄