Treasure Hunting

Treasure Hunting 

Now that summer has come to a bitter end, the cold nights marked clearly with crisp autumn air and school season starting with a hectic rush, the Really Really Free Market continues to do good.

The Really Really Free Market in September provides items to those who are looking for some treasures.

I brought my little dog Leo with me, and discussed the items some of the market goers found as they were looking about the space.

My observation brought me to a young boy who found a slinky; the joy on his face upon discovering this relic of a toy, brought a smile to my face. What joy in the world of kinaesthetic discovery!

Another joyous occasion as a father and his daughters filled their bags. The girls told me about the numerous stuffies they found.

I asked about their favourite find, which instinctually I knew was the giant monkey stuffed animal, so large its face could be seen through the white plastic bag. When she pointed at the bag and said this one I asked if it was in fact the giant monkey, they both nodded, subtly saying it was a joint favouritism.

Next, a young man walking around for some time, I stopped him to ask what he found and he said

I found my fiancee’s favourite book* and pulled out a copy of *love you forever* which is a classic and absolutely a keepsake.

My whole being was filled with joy for this young couple, knowing that someone who didn’t need that book in their life anymore had donated it and they had miraculously found it.

They told me that wasn’t the only item they found, along with some dental items, still in the package, a Costco size bottle of cetaphil face wash, and a very nice shirt for him, they were happy with their market finds.

The market is good for everyone, whether you're donating items you haven't used in too long, or you're hunting for a nice shirt while on a tight budget, there is something for everyone.

My favourite part about the market is seeing the look on market goer's faces when they pull out the items they found. The best feeling is when the items is something I donated.

I always find something for myself as well. This time I found a sealed can of whipped frosting! You'd probably be surprised, but I really enjoyed this sweet treat on some brownies later that night.

Join us for the next Free Market on October 5th, 2019.

I hope to see you there an interview you for my next post!

Blessings,

Kristina




If you enjoyed this piece you'll love checking out my personal blog and instagram page for more inspirational writing.

@philosopherontherun
www.philosopherontherun.com

Holiday-themed outdoor market by the fire-pit (Indoors if it rains): 1st of December, 10-4!!

We hope that the fans of Really Really Free Market are as excited about our fire-side market as we are. In the spirit of the new season, coming holidays, and the re-opening of the hockey rink, we suggest that the participants of the market think about:

WINTER!

Hats, gloves & mittens, scarves, earmuffs, leg-warmers, ski boots, goggles, sleds......

FIREWOOD!
The more firewood we have, the longer we can keep the firepit going.
 

HOLIDAYS!

Candles, incense, decorations, indoor games, gift-wrapping stuff, wreaths, table-cloths, tea-towels... The community centre will welcome Christmas trees as well.

 HOCKEY! Hockey helmets, skates, and other hockey gear that are in good enough shape to be used by the participants of the Campbell Park Hockey Rink....

 SMALL! This time we will only have a few tables and maybe a clothing rack. Remember that the Really Really Free Market has no storage space, and has to transport leftovers (often on foot or by TTC) to charities (only to ones that do not sell the stuff). That will be harder to do in the winter than it was in the summer, and almost impossible for large items, so please be mindful of that when you bring stuff. A couple of  exception are faux Christmas trees, which the Park itself would like a have a couple of, and sleighs. And when you bring items please bring those that are in good condition, reasonably clean, and usable. 

Don't forget that Campbell Park is going to be having a dinner event to celebrate the re-opening of the skating rink.

Our first indoor market at the Park!

Saturday, November 3, the weather was friendlier than we expected, the sun keeping watch over us almost all day. But just to be safe, and foster mingling and conversation (which was so great to see happen), this time we set up the market  indoors. Thanks go out to Campbell Park for allowing us to use their warm and cozy community space.

The turnout was great. We had first-timers (one of which was walking by with her partner and upon seeing the sign, recalled the Really Really Free Market she had been in Singapore and wanted to check us out), second-timers, third-timers, fourth-timers, and fifth-timers.  Many participants came more than once during the day.

We also met the facilitator and some members of a meetup group named Budget. We found out that when the facilitator discovered us online, she immediately added it to her line-up of free and low-cost events in Toronto. It's exhilirating to hear of all the places that advertise us without us even knowing about it. Last month for example, we found out that someone had added us to the Couchsurfers' events list. We have been also very fortunate to be mentioned several times on CBC Radio One, among many other media outlets.

Here are a few scenes from our November market. We would love to add photos taken at the market by other market participants.Please e-mail us your photos, or share them on Facebook!