ABU DHABI // A flea market has raised more than Dh36,000 for the Impoverished Children charity, which helps 75 youngsters in a Kibera slum in Kenya.
A sale of second-hand goods on March 9 at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort raised Dh20,000. A similar event on December 15 brought in Dh16,600.
Martina Venus, the hotel's public relations director, said both events were a success as all 90 vendors' tables had been sold and they also received donations.
"We are very happy to see that the flea market concept is now established and turned into an event where there is a great demand," she added.
Items on sale at the markets included unused hotel items and unwanted, second-hand electronics, clothes, accessories, small pieces of furniture and children's toys.
"The 75 children, mainly orphans, will receive basic necessities for their daily lives as well as investment in their education," said Ms Venus said.
"The fact that we can support a charity cause that is really in great need, paired with the environmental aspect of re-using unwanted items and the social impact of creating a meeting point for the local community, is simply perfect."
Impoverished Children is a non-profit charity that supports community-based orphanages and schools in the Kiberan slums.
Its projects provide education and teacher training, along with resources such as water and sanitation, food, medical advice and treatment and counselling.
