Selling everything from sugar cookies to crocheted stuffies, 60 local vendors set up shop at Quattro Hotel on Sunday to help support a good cause.
This year’s Spring Fling Easter Market helped raise funds for The Twinkie Foundation – a local charity that supports Algoma-based families with the financial strain of travelling for their children’s medical treatment.
With an entry price of a nominal donation, the gathered funds will help the foundation continue to support families around the region.
The foundation has supported hundreds of families since starting in 2017, and founder Karen Lefave said that – beyond gathering donations – she hopes Sunday’s Easter event helps raise awareness about the charity.
“We want families to know that we exist before they need to go, so that alleviation of stress is there as opposed to after,” she said.
“If something happens to a child, they can immediately think, ‘Oh, I can get help from the foundation,’ instead of panicking and not knowing what they're going to do.”
Event organizer Amanda Johnston said she previously had to deal with the stress of her child being hospitalized for a long period of time and helped organize the event to bring more exposure to the foundation.
“As a parent that's had to travel out of town, I realized how expensive it could be,” she added. “They created this foundation to help with families, to help with hotel rooms, meals, food, gas.”
It’s an event that vendors were quite happy to be a part of.
“It's always such a great turnout. It's one of those markets where you don't question having to be wanting to be a part of it,” said Jeannette Orazietti, owner of Sugar, a gourmet dessert shop.
“We love the fact that they are able to give part of the proceeds.”
Jeff Mills sells locally made clothing at his business, My705 Clothing Co., and said the Easter market is one he tries to attend every year.
“I’ve been doing everything local, working with local printers and embroidery,” he said. “Amanda does a phenomenal job of marketing this event, and it’s always been a big one.”
Those interested in donating to The Twinkie Foundation, or learning more about the charity, can find more here.