Markets ‘do good’

THERE may be no shortage of markets in Toowoomba, but one thing Suanne Robertson thought it was missing was a market with some serious social conscience.

Ms Robertson runs Green Dandelion, an eco store filled to the brim with upcycled, recycled and biodegradable products designed to be kinder to the environment.

The business runs out of Emerge Cafe, which is a social enterprise business aimed at helping the city’s at-risk youth stay off the streets, gain qualifications and learn positive life skills.

With both businesses squarely focussed on doing good, Ms Robertson and Emerge founder Jen Shaw came up with the idea of hosting the “Do Good Markets” to give shoppers some eco-friendly options while raising important funds for Emerge.

The inaugural effort was declared a success, but Ms Robertson said they hoped to make a few tweaks before holding the next one to ensure the best possible offering for market-goers.

“It’s about saving the planet and saving the community,” she said.

“We would like to continue and stick with it. We had a lot of interest but it was a bad time for a lot of stall holders.

“Next time I think we will try a twilight market so we don’t compete with all the Saturday markets so much because we want to provide people with more variety and activities, but as a first event this was more than worthwhile.”

To keep up with events at Emerge or Green Dandelion drop into 1 Station St or find either business on Facebook.

Christie Rheeder runs More Than a Dish, where funds raised went to Emerge and buyers are encouraged to “pay it forward” by cooking a meal for someone in need.

Photos: Bev Lacey MARKET DAY: Will Short gets busy creating a welcome sign for the Do Good Markets.

Do Good Markets co-founder Suanne Robertson says the inaugural event was a success.

Madeline Holcombe enjoying the inaugural Do Good Markets.

Ann Kitto (left) shows off her handmade card holders with Kaylee Nenson.