When Sarah Baikie first heard about the concept of a children’s swap and shop she thought it would be a good fit for Campbell River.
What she didn’t bank on was the overwhelming response.
“The response has been fantastic,” Baikie said. “Immediately after putting up the Facebook event page, it took on a life of its own with people saying they were going or booking a table.”
As of late last week, the first-annual Family Swap and Shop had 35 tables committed and Baikie expects that number to rise to 50 or 60.
A family can book a table for $10 to sell gently used items such as children’s clothing, accessories, toys and even maternity clothing. For $25, small businesses can also get in on the action. Local businesses such as Discovery Toys and a face painter are already booked for the Swap and Shop which takes place this Saturday at the Carihi gym.
The event is a fundraiser for the Forest Circle Society for Families, a non-profit which operates daycares at Carihi and North Island College, and the entire community is welcome to attend.
Baikie said the event is aimed at entertaining children and will include face painting, a table for trying on hair extensions, tattoos and glitter art, a children’s activity area, as well as a kids’ craft table with an Easter theme. There will also be tea and coffee donated by Sundance Java Cafe as well as an opportunity to have a family portrait taken by local photographer Katie Murphy.
“From my point of view as a mom, it’s a nice way to step out for an hour or two,” Baikie said.
There will also be a bake sale featuring gluten-free goodies made by daycare staff, volunteers and the parents of the children who attend Cari’s Infant and Toddler Centre as well as Forest Circle Childcare.
Gwen Bennett, co-ordinator at Cari’s, said the “overall aim and purpose of the event is to raise money for educational materials and resources for both Forest Circle and Cari’s.”
Bennett said the event all came together thanks to the tireless efforts of the nine-member Forest Circle Society for Families board, which formed eight years ago.
“We’ve been thrilled with the support of our board and this is an example of the commitment they make to childcare in Campbell River,” Bennett said. “Our board members all have very busy lives and it’s much appreciated.”
Those eager to get a jump on the sales can take advantage of the Early Bird admission from 9:30-10 a.m., $5 for adults and free for children under 14. General admission costs $2 for adults, no cost for children under 14 and runs from 10-11:30 a.m. To pre-register for a table or to find out more visit Family Swap & Shop (Campbell River) on Facebook or e-mail sarahbaikie@gmail.com