Photos: Supplied.
With the festive season snapping at our heels many of us will be heading to one of the community markets that are becoming increasingly popular for finding that gift that’s just a little different, a little more personal, for that someone special. If you’d like an added altruistic glow there are retailers at the Redlands Coast Collective Markets who, by donating a percentage of their sales to a community cause, will make sure that your gift gives twice.
Tingalpa chef turned preserve producer Jasper Manfield creates a range of sweet, chilli and savoury chutneys, sauces and jams – JASPER IN A JAR.
“After twenty years as a chef I’d had enough of the high-pressure restaurant industry,” Jasper says. “Making preserves is an ideal way of using my experience and skills and giving my creativity full rein and it provides a better work life balance!”
Scattered throughout his extensive range is a special Pride selection, from sales of which Jasper makes a donation to PFLAG Australia, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, an organisation that offers support and community education about sexual and gender diversity.
Rebecca Dart, whose multi-award winning Big Heart Bamboo chutneys, relishes and pickles have elevated bamboo to a gourmet level, chose Koala Crusaders, a volunteer group committed to re-establishing koala habitat as her favoured charity.
“When I set up the business on the Sunshine Coast I promised myself that it would have an ethical base, a balance of commerce and heart. I chose Koala Crusaders because they’re small and local and I could see what they did. It’s the old ‘think globally, act locally’ approach. if you want to effect change, start where you can make a difference.”
Steve Pannan is another generous stallholder. His Redlands Coast Distillery, the first in the Redlands, is a family-run business that produces three styles of artisan gin; Signature Dry, Berry and Elderflower and a tantalising Native Botanical. Steve’s chosen beneficiary is The Cage (Creating A Good Environment) Youth Foundation. Formed in 2001 in response to local youth engagement needs, the Foundation has a youth drop-in centre and seeks to support youth and families experiencing disadvantages, hardships, and isolation.
The generosity reaches all the way to the top, with Nicole, the Market Events Manager, weighing in with a dose of seasonal goodwill. Rosies Friends on the Street is an outreach organisation that offers local community sessions for homeless people. Their vans provide drinks, snacks, conversation and connection in 14 locations across Queensland, offering much-needed chats and basic hospitality. Nicole is contributing a portion of each stall fee to Rosies, so for shoppers at this local market the stage is being set for a truly caring festive season.
The Redlands Coast Collective Markets are held at Faith Lutheran College, Beveridge Rd, Thornlands. The next market will be on Sunday 10 December, 8am – midday.
