Market Fair Offers Rent Free Space
COVID-19 ORGANISERS OFFER FREE MARKETING FOR JOBLESS COVID-19 AFFECTED SECTOR
People who lost their jobs because of circumstances linked to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, can now sell goods at a rent-free venue. The Suva Bowling Club yesterday launched its Sunday market fare, which offers space for people who lost their jobs through the coronaviorus pandemic.
Bring your own
Club manager Maureen Lavaki said vendors were expected to bring their own tents and tables.
“We’ll do all the marketing for them,” she said.
The fair, which was scheduled to open at 11am yesterday, instead drew in crowds from as early as 9am, Mrs Lavaki said. “That’s prompted the decision for us to open from 9am next Sunday,”
she said. “The market fair will close at 8pm.”
All day Sunday
The all-day Sunday fair will be the go-to place for families that opt to eat out, Mrs Lavaki said. Home-made items including food, jewellery, clothes and clothing accessories, pot plants and beverages are among items on sale.
Bouncy castles are available for children, while adults can choose between the kava bar or the alcohol bar, Mrs Lavaki said.
VotCity Flea Market
The VotCity Flea Market in Nadi has encouraged a good portion of the blue-collar sector to turn to enterprising ventures.
Former flight attendant, Lusiana Tuimanono, was compelled to take up baking when she lost her high flying career.
The 37-year old now sells her baked goods at the Flea Market in Votualevu in Nadi.
Losing her job with the national airline was a blessing in disguise as it moved her to tap into her hidden creativity.
“The tourism industry in Nadi has been affected by the pandemic crisis and some have not realised the good that comes out of it.
“In the hotel and the airline that I worked for, I only served food that was already made.
“But now, I have utilised my baking skills, and I know what its like.”
Reviving friendship
Mrs Tuimanono was not discouraged by loss of her job.
“God has given me two hands and two feet to create something that could be a source of bless ings to my family as well as others who are in need.”
The Nadi Flea Market was not only an environment to sell items and food stuffs, it was an environment for laid-off hotel workers and terminated airline staff to come together and encourage one another.
“Here we still revive that friendly spirit and good service with a smile.”
She sells varieties of cakes and pies with fresh soursop juice.
The all-day Sunday fair will be the go-to place for your Sunday eat out.