The free Monday Market Day at Milton's Tokomairiro Community Hub, established by hub co-ordinator Arna Smith and volunteers in November, has proved unexpectedly successful.
From humble beginnings, with just a single box of bread donated by neighbouring supermarket Milton SuperValue, the weekly event now occupied ''half the Hub'' and offered a wide range of donated and low cost goods, she said.
''SuperValue has been great, donating surplus food as available, and the local community has also donated heaps of infant clothing which families can take away free of charge.''
Local gardener John Goldsworthy brought in seasonal fruit and vegetables, which could be bought with a gold coin donation, or accessed according to need.
Although the emphasis was on goods being free, trade or barter was also encouraged to help keep stocks buoyant.
''You might get someone bringing in their cabbages and taking away some beetroot or marrows, for example.''
With a little help from social media, the market had grown quickly in popularity, Ms Smith said.
''We worked pretty hard on Facebook to promote it, and now we can get more than 30 people drop by in the first couple of hours on a Monday.''
She said the hub, located in the main street, Union St, was set up by the Milton Community Health Trust in 2016 to help ''build a healthy community'', and the weekly market contributed to that aim.
''We provide a central location where community organisations are able to offer a wide range of social, health and wellbeing services to local people, from early childhood to seniors.''
With innovations like the market, and as locals became used to the hub concept, the way people were using the facility had changed, Ms Smith said.
''We're seeing more people just dropping by for a cuppa, some advice and to see what new services are on offer. We love visitors - the more the merrier.''
Early childhood service provider Plunket, which was a long-term hub resident, was expected to move into a newly refurbished, dedicated space in the building by the end of this month.
''From time to time it feels like we're bursting at the seams, so it's been a fantastic community effort to free up more space for our other activities.''
Ms Smith believed the market could grow to make a significant contribution to the social wellbeing of the Milton community.
''Like everywhere, Milton has its social and health issues, but the market shows how generous and caring our community is in giving a helping hand. Sometimes families struggle to make ends meet, and that's where access to additional free or affordable food and clothing can make all the difference.
''We'd like to see the market grow into its own, bigger space over coming months and take on a life of its own.''
Ms Smith said the hub welcomed approaches from volunteers, and would like to hear from anybody with ideas or goods they could contribute to the market.
-By Richard Davison
