The Shanklin Rotary Club’s annual pop-up sale is underway, drawing eager crowds despite the cold weather.
Just before the event opened to the public, News OnTheWight caught up with the very busy Rachel Wadia, one of the nine Shanklin Rotarians who organises the event.
Rachel shared insights into this decades-long tradition that has become a cornerstone of community charity work in the area.
A tradition of giving back
Rachel explained that the sale, a fixture for many years, is more than just a local event.
It serves as a significant fundraiser, splitting proceeds among various charitable organisations on the Isle of Wight.
The logistics of charity
The scale of the sale is impressive, as Rachel notes. Preparation involves leafleting approximately 5,000 houses in the area, followed by a collection day where items marked with a yellow leaflet are picked up for the sale.
Larger items are managed through a special telephone system. This well-organised approach ensures a wide range of donations, from small household items to larger pieces of furniture.
Sustainable practices and community involvement
In its dedication to sustainability, the Rotary Club strives to avoid landfill waste. Damaged or broken items are handled responsibly, with recyclable materials like metal being stripped and sold separately.
This eco-friendly approach is part of the club’s ethos of responsible charity work. The event is also a testament to community involvement, with around 40 volunteers from various clubs and local residents contributing to its success.
The Rotary Club: A history of community service
The Rotary Club, founded by Paul Harris in America, began as a way for professionals from different fields to give back to their community.
Over the years, the club has evolved, welcoming women and focusing on various community and international service projects. Rachel highlights that membership requires a nominal annual subscription, which contributes to the broader efforts of Rotary International.
A vital fundraiser
Rachel mentioned that while the sale usually takes place at Lower Hyde, last year it was moved to the smaller venue of Winchester House. Despite this, the club remains hopeful of matching or surpassing last year’s impressive £17,000 raised (they used to raise around £40,000 at Lower Hyde).
However, the sale is not just a fundraiser; it’s a community event that brings people together for a common cause and couldn’t go ahead with out the support of the merry band of volunteers.
A warm welcome for volunteers and visitors
The sale offers more than just shopping opportunities. It’s a warm, welcoming space for volunteers and visitors alike, complete with tea, coffee, and cakes – a small gesture that adds to the community spirit of the event.
The sale, set to continue until the 20th of this month, is a prime example of how community efforts can make a significant impact, both locally and globally.
Where and when
Shanklin Rotary Sale takes place at YMCA’s Winchester House (Sandown Rd, Shanklin PO37 6HU).
Open daily from 10am to 4pm until Saturday 20th January 2024 (closed Sunday 14th and Monday 15th January when stock is replenished).
