On 26 and 27 September, the dynamic team of City News writers and broadcasters that brought to you the latest scoops and happenings became temporary car boot vendors at Playground @ Big Splash, East Coast Beach from 10am to 10pm. Don’t worry, it is not a change of their vocation but a City News Charity Car Boot Sale to raise funds for local community service; City Harvest Community Services Association (CHCSA).
For those patrons looking for deep discounts, items for sale include brands such as Louis Vuitton slingbag [selling at S$400, U.P. S$1,100], Prada shoulder bag [selling at S$200], brand new Dorothy Perkins evening dress [selling at S$60], brand new Nokia 6220 mobile phone [selling at S$120, U.P. S$230], brand new Nike and Adidas tops [selling at S$10, S$15], brand new golf set [selling at S$300] and brand new accessories selling at only S$1! If you haven’t go gaga over the above, the pre-loved items are going at as low as S$2!
The enthusiastic writers arrived at the scene as early as 9am to get a good spot and to set up the place, hoping for a good turnout. Sure enough, streams of customers came strolling in, looking for good buys. The car boot sale went off to a good start as our very first customer actually bought S$241 worth of clothes on Saturday!
Towards noon, the vendors were blasted at by the blistering sun, as if discouraging them from completing this great cause. But the vendors pressed on, clinching sales after sales. The competition was tough as the other car boot vendors were also selling their products at low prices.
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| PHOTOS: Daniel Poh and Lin Xiuzhen |
As the sun sets, the charitable vendors heaved a sign of relief as they were finally spared from the sun. In general, the sales was quite good as the crowd turnout was quite good and the customers were eager to get both brand new and pre-loved items at rock bottom prices, at the same time, doing their part for charity.
After the whole event ended at 10pm, the writers had to pack up and at the same time, making sure the place was tidied up, leaving the place at 11pm as a result.
City News reporter Jody Doo, 21, have this to say, “I felt that the car boot sale was a huge success! Even though the heat was crazy, we all had fun taking turns being vendors. It makes me satisfied to see satisfied customers and this experience definitely bonded the City News Team closer together!” Doo adds “I wanna thank all who made the effort to come down to support us and specially the brains behind this whole event, Wenling! She actually brought a huge drink dispenser down for us when she knew the heat was unbearable!”
Customer David Ang, 22, shares “I find the car boot sale extremely unique as it was my first time visiting a so called flea market in this manner. As I came to the place late, I only managed to get a bangle for a friend costing only S$2! I think it was really for a good cause as the things that were sold are contributed to the charity and of course, kudos to the City News volunteers!”
At the end of the day, the writers were beat, sun-burnt and tired, but the effort was worth the while as they raise more than S$4,000! Resounding success! Well it has been a pleasure writing and doing our bid for charity. Till the next charity car boot sale, see ya!
