Gunnedah’s well anticipated Christmas Markets were back again on Saturday at Gunnedah Showgrounds with patrons shopping away to support small businesses and a local charity.
Each time someone purchased a homemade gift, wrote their name on a raffle ticket or eagerly ordered a sausage sandwich, they were not only supporting the stall holder, but also people in the community living with multiple sclerosis (MS).
MS is a chronic neurological disease, often affecting those aged between 20-40, according to MS Australia.
Gunnedah MS Incorporated hires Griffith Hall then sells the stall holder sites at a minimal charge as a fundraiser.
The markets are one of its major fundraisers for the year, with it helping ‘MS Warriors’ with finances.
President Geoff Phillips said the money raised not only goes to the members for medical and pharmaceutical support, but is also needed as cost of living continues to rise.
“[It] has really impacted our members and the cost of pharmaceutical supplies,” he said.
Gunnedah MS Incorporated are not aligned with the national or state body.
Everything raised by local volunteers stay in the community.
Reflecting on the charity’s history, Geoff said it has been very proactive. People may have spotted volunteers selling raffle tickets, manning the gate for Gunnedah Rugby League home games or at the ever-growing popular Spring Fashion Parade, hosted by Willow and Fli.
“We are always there to put up our hand,” he said.
“We raise the funds, and [the money] goes out as soon as we raise them, so we have to keep going.”
The rain steadily pouring down on Saturday may have not been ideal, but Geoff anticipated it brought in the farmers and those who had cancelled weekend plans.
He said many of the stall holders have been supporting the Christmas Markets for years but has watched as their products have kept up with market demands.
“We are thankful for the support of the community over the years and if anyone is affected by MS, they are more than welcome to join our organisation,’ he said.
