Northern Rivers Friends of Palestine are inviting locals to turn clutter into compassion at a Garden Party and Garage Sale for Gaza, to be held Saturday December 13 from 12 till 6pm at Byron Bay’s Marvell Hall.
‘One person’s mess can be someone’s medical aid – from your cast-offs to critical care,’ says Cate Coorey, who is helping to organise the event. ‘This is a chance to recycle, pick up some Christmas gifts and save people’s lives in Gaza’.
‘All proceeds support the Palestinian Australian and New Zealand Medical Association (PANZMA), which supports Gazan health care staff and also sends Australian medical staff to assist with urgent medical relief. They are also distributing food parcels, hot meals, baby milk powder, hygiene kits and bedding to families affected by the crisis in Gaza, essential as winter approaches.
‘Many people forget that Jesus was born in Palestine. Christmas celebrates his birth but who is bringing ‘joy to the world’ for the babies born in Palestine today? Everyone can do something for the people of Gaza who are experiencing extreme suffering and continued bombardments, despite the supposed ‘ceasefire’. Ditch Black Friday and the cult of consumption, clear out your wardrobe, cupboards and consciences and transform pre-loved goods into life-saving aid for Gaza,’ says Cate.
Solidarity
‘The Garden Party and Garage Sale for Gaza is more than a market – it’s a statement of solidarity. Together, the Northern Rivers community can reduce waste, reject overconsumption, and support urgent and critical care for people in Gaza – too many of them children.
‘We’ll be serving afternoon tea and you can relax in the garden at Marvell Hall with friends and some tunes’, she adds.
We need your help!
· Donations: Good-quality clothes, books, homewares, toys, artwork, preserves, baked goods.
· Raffle prizes – hit up friends with local businesses
· Volunteers: Set-up crew, cake-bakers, food servers, stall sellers, pack up crew.
· Shoppers: Bring cash, cards, bags, friends — and your love for the people of Gaza.
Check out the NRFOP FB page for details about dropping off donations and volunteering.
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