EVERY fourth Saturday of the month, a car boot market is held at the Bellingen Showground.

It’s yet another initiative by Dean Evers, founder of Hope for the Homeless – a local charity Dean started over eight years ago.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

He and a team of volunteers support the homeless and the most disadvantaged in the local community by providing material items and financial support – running two charity shops in Bellingen and South Grafton.

“I saw a need for people falling through the gaps,” Dean told News Of The Area.

“The main charities in town have a lot of red tape, despite good people being involved.

“Red tape slows everything down.

“If the buck stops with me, I can make the decisions, and I can help them.”

For example, homes have been furnished hundreds of times with Hope for the Homeless support.

When someone living out of a car or motel then gets a more permanent home, they can go to the Hope for the Homeless shops and ask for help.

“It’s another community event where mums and dads can bring their kids and empty out their place and cull by recycling,” Dean said of Saturday’s Bellingen Car Boot Market.

A car boot sale is also a safer alternative for people to sell their things in public, as some people don’t feel safe having a garage sale at their home.

“People who join up will realise it is not just about earning money, but supporting people and making a difference,” Dean said.

This Saturday 27 May , the Miss Paris Trio will be performing at the market and the Bellingen Men’s Shed are putting on a barbecue.

Vendor cars can enter the venue from 7.30am, with the public able to peruse and purchase from 8.30am to 1pm.

By Mary KEILY