A variety of stalls filled with handmade items, baked goods and unique products will be featured at the Gracehaven Christmas Market this weekend.
It’s a special event for Jean Cooke who said she established the markets to say thank you to staff and those living at Gracehaven Aged Care Service after her husband became a resident.
“I have been doing this for seven and a half years now,” she said.
“I started when my husband went in. He has since passed away and I was so grateful for the care that they gave him, the staff were wonderful.
“I thought well I have to keep on doing something to give back to the community and what better than to give to the residents and staff that I grew to love.”
Through her many years of planning and hosting the market event, Jean has managed to raise thousands of dollars for Gracehaven residents.
“I have been able to purchase 17 recliner chairs which were 800 dollars each, we have done wheelchairs, crockery, stereos and cash going towards Christmas presents for the residents,” she said.
“It is a lot of preparation and hard work but I don’t want any accolades for doing it.
“I feel humbled to be able to do it.”
Jean said she was excited to host the first Gracehaven Christmas Markets in two years this Saturday and had been busy at work to create some special items.
“I have some friends that are baking and I have been making sausage rolls, apple and peach crumbles, pumpkin scones, pikeletes and more,” she said.
“I have been knitting and crocheting things like baby shawls, face cloths, hand towels – things like that.
“I am not one that can just sit down and do nothing!”
Jean said the market was a family-friendly event with plenty of gifts for men, women and children including homewares, art and craft, gardening and outdoor items including plants and much more.
There will also be a giant raffle with all proceeds to be donated to the residents of Gracehaven Aged Care.
The Gracehaven Christmas Market will be held at 71 Dr Mays Rd, Svensson Heights from 8.30am to 2pm.
