New market concept champions new way to raise cash
His goal is to hold a charity event each month in order to raise funds for philanthropic organisations that work hard, but lack capital.
Alexandros Papas, the founder of The Charity Market at the Mediterranean in Bedfordview, aims to help charities meet their goals.
Papas said his goal is to hold a charity event each month in order to raise funds for philanthropic organisations that work hard, but lack capital.
“My goal is to fill that gap as much as possible,” said Papas.
Papas said that charities that will benefit from The Charity Market will eventually be decided on by the public because they choose whom to support.
Through the non-profit organisation, HashtagSecondChances, many have benefitted in a number of ways such as education, rehabilitation, employment, feeding schemes and medical assistance.
Another non-profit organisation is The Collective, which gathers second-hand clothing, shoes, toys, books and household items from the public and then supplies these items to unemployed mothers in neighbouring townships and informal settlements who sell them for an income.
Papas said that the mothers who benefit from The Collective are taught basic entrepreneurial skills and are supported through the journey of creating their own jobs.
Also read: Local business supports Little Eden
“I believe that everyday people are the ones who can be the change in the world and the community needs initiatives like this to make a difference,” said Papas.
He said this small initiative can be a beginning to something bigger while still being part of something that is proactive and fun.
“We are working towards creating awareness, interest and trust within our community,” said Papas.
Papas said they will make it their mission to ensure that the charities and organisations they support are genuine and honest and make a difference in people’s lives.
Also read: Bedfordview CPF aims to launch Business Against Crime initiative
Papas urged the community to get involved and to support The Charity Market on June 23 from 10am to 3pm at 72 Concorde Road.
Entrance will be R20 and or a donation of clothing, shoes or blankets.
