#FreeMarket

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم بِسْمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحْمٰنِ ٱلرَّحِي

Assalamualaikum semua,

Dah berkurun juga la kan saya tak update blog ni. Actually, I've had a few topics to be written but oh well. Roh nak menulis tu terbang ke aman tah, baru datang balik hari ni. So, ni nak mula bebel-bebel balik kat sini.

So, have you ever heard of #FreeMarket? No? Then good because I'm gonna tell you. So sit back and enjoy your reading.

So Free Market is actually a noble initiative driven by a group of awesome volunteers. The Free Market concept is actually based on flea market, however all the things are given and taken for free. YES, FOR FREE!! So how this Free Market works? First you need to choose if you wanted to be a contributor, customer or as a volunteer. Aah, I knew that there might be some questions popping out in your mind right now as you've been very curious about this event. 

Is there any limitations for the donated stuff? Firstly, there is no limits to the stuff that you want to donate. Books, apparels, household stuffs almost anything but only if it is in a good condition. You don't want to give trash to people don't you. Where do I put all my stuffs? The organizer will provide spaces for you to put your stuff. However it is limited and depend on first come first serve system. So you are encouraged to bring your own mat or anything suitable to place your stuff. Plus, if you are giving out clothes, it would be better for you to hang it rather than pilling it on your mat. If you're unable to be on the event day, you can give your stuff to the organizers few days before event. Oh and I forgot to mention, you have to look after the stuff yourselves. Can I take the donated stuff? Yes you may but priority is given towards the targeted group of customers. Usually towards the less fortunate such as orphans, single mothers and OKUs. 

Alhamdullilah. I had a chance to be a volunteer on that day. For the volunteers, there is no fixed job scopes. For the guys, your strength are needed to help the contributors to load their stuffs from the parking bay to the event location. It is a good and free workout exercises for you guys...hahaha.
But generally, for a volunteer, before the event, you need to assist the contributors to their spaces and also help them to carry they stuffs. During the event, you have to watch the stuffs that are contributed beforehand and after the event, you need to clear up the stuff that are not being picked. I think that is the basic ones. What more exciting, besides getting some experiences and saw the happy faces, you also get a certificates as a proof of your participantion in this particular event. Through my observation, most of the customers hunt (yes, the situation is similar during Sogo on sale) for babies equipment, baju kurung, tudung (because ramai noh perempuan yang bershopping sakan). In a split seconds, the section where the baby strollers, cradles, swings gathered were cleared. During the Free Market UPM which the one that I joined, in less than an hour, almost all the stuffs had met a new owner and we're only left with a big box of clothes that were not picked due to their unattractiveness . 

There are few things that I hope for improvement in the next event. First, to the contributors, I really hope that you give the stuff that in good condition only. I saw that some of the clothes given were not suitable to be wore anymore and it would be better if you took some time to wash the colthes first. Remember the story the sons of Adam when they present they contribution towards Allah? 

For the customers, I know the stuffs are given for free....but please please please. Ask the owner first if you can take it and don't be greed. Do mind sharing and save some for others. Another things is to take things that you needed only. I saw some aunties and grandmas came home with big plastic of clothes which some of it don't even fit their sizes. But being an optimistic, maybe they are giving it to others back at their home. Lets us all be considerate to each other. Can we :) One more things, even though all the things is now officially yours, just remember that previously it also had an owner. So, make sure to look after the stuff with care just like the previous owner did :)

So, hopefully my not-so-informative sharing should gave you a clue or two about what this whole free market about and hopefully you can make some time for the next event. The good new is the next event will be held on 21/9/2014. For more info, you can check out the poster below and hey they also have a FB group too. You can look up for pictures from the previous event and start planning to participate. 

Missing the moments

Shopping sakan masing-masing. Please don't forget to bring your own bag and helpers to
help you put and carry your collections.

Half an hour after the door are open to the public.

You can still contribute even if you weren't able to be on the event day.
The volunteers will help to look after it.

(click to enlarge)

p/s: All  pictures were taken from the event page :)