Whitstable Goes Wild

Hundreds of people across Whitstable hit the streets last Sunday as part of the third annual Whitstable Garage Sale Safari. Over 140 homes across Whitstable, Chestfield and Swalecliffe set up stall between 10am and 2pm to clear out their clutter and raise money for local charity “Opening Your Heart to Bhutan” which received £5 for every registered sale to appear on their map.

This years event raised well over £2, 300 in large party because of the support and sponsorship of estate agent Saxon Shore who donated almost £1,000. Liz Jeffrey from Saxon Shore said “ We have been delighted and overwhelmed at the amount of support the Whitstable Safari by making a donation to Opening your Heart to Bhutan for every property that agreed to have one of our advertising boards. Demand this year has been huge but it was such a pleasure to meet so many lovely people and raise some funds for such an inspirational charity”

Chris Cornell who organised the event said “Today’s event really showed Whitstable at its best. Not only did people grab some fantastic bargain’s but they really enjoyed coming together to run sales with their neighbours and meet people down their street. The town was buzzing with over well over 2,000 people having either picked up a map or downloaded our app for their phone.”

This year was characterised by a number of local businesses or charities donating to appear on the map and run their own events. Caroline Mumford of the Umbrella Café ran a Lego Card Swap event for local children, residents in Wynn Ellis House used the event to raise money for their communal garden and the Canterbury Guide Dog group ran a sale to raise money for their local work. People sold homemade honey, fabrics, cakes or vintage goods.

A huge thank you to staff from the Umbrella Centre, Horsebridge and Quite Contrary who helped us get the message out there.

Chris Cornell ended by saying "People are already asking us about new years event and sending in ideas for charities we can support. We'd like to thank everyone who took part in what was a fantastic community event".