JEDDAH: Live snakes, a canoe and a golf cart were just a few items up for grabs at a charitable “garage sale” taking place at Le Promenade 2 shopping mall’s parking area on Tahliah Street.
“People are not used to garage sales in Saudi Arabia, but it seems it is well appreciated,” said Maria Mahdaly, team manager of Fainak, the organizer of the event.
In this “garage sale,” vendors have rented tables outside to sell myriads of items, including books, gadgets, couches, home appliances and sports equipment. “There is a section for home-cooked food, where any one can sell cookies or cakes,” said Mahdaly. “Some people have rented tables for two or three days, but there is a big waiting list for renting tables.”
The reaction by customers to the event — which runs through Thursday — has been overwhelming, causing the organizers to implement some additional crowd control to direct foot traffic in an orderly fashion.
Vendors have committed to donating all, half or 10 percent of their profits to charity. “Those who choose to donate only 10 percent of their sale's outcome have to pay a SR100 rental fee for the table,” she said, adding that the rest have been given tables for free.
Mahdaly said that the Fainak (http://fainak.com) would be responsible for ensuring that the money generated is given to charities across the city.
The garage sale is part of a one-year program organized by Fainak to hold monthly events. “We are planning to hold unique youth-related charity and community programs each month until the end of the year,” she said.
