From October 26 to 30, the sound of popping popcorn created a frenzied rhythm while the smell of sizzling boerewors welcomed visitors to Northmead’s Apricot Tree stimulation centre’s annual market week.

Dubbed the V (valuable people), I (important purpose), P (perfectly included) market, the centre’s adults practiced their sales pitches, encouraging supporters to purchase the variety of items on sale.

From freshly flipped pancakes and scrumptious biscuits to blooming plants, shoppers were spoilt for choice while supporting the centre’s ongoing fundraising efforts.

“This year the market featured 10 stalls, each manned by our young adults along with the dedicated Apricot Tree staff,” said principal Abby-Jade Reason.

“While interacting with customers and selling their items, our wonderful pupils are not only gaining experience but are afforded an opportunity to engage with their community, which leaves them feeling valued, seen and confident.”

Being a staple on the centre’s events calendar, Reason said that from next year, the market may become a more regular occurrence.

“One of the activities our beneficiaries participate in weekly is the preparation of the centre’s apricot jam biscuits and sugar cookies,” she said.

“The activity brings them great joy and further compliments their growth and development. These items, along with others such as bath salts, are made by the beneficiaries and available to public.

“We hope from next year to host regular coffee and market mornings where members of the community can enjoy some of the delicious creations while supporting our centre’s work.”

Tending to his carefully grown succulents, one of the centre’s adults, Grant, said he wants to share the fruit of his green thumbs with others.

When he is not in the garden, he can be found cutting colourful tiles creating magical mosaics.

“Working with plants is good for your heart and the sun is good for your body,” he said.

“I love growing things, but I don’t talk to plants – the water does that.”

With a smile that could melt hearts, Thando marketed her sweet packets.

“I packed every one myself,” she said with pride.

“My favourite is the chocolate ball, but I made sure to put one in every packet before I had any myself.”

With another successful market week, Reason thanked all the community members and businesses that supported the event.

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