Really Really Free Markets Are A Really Really Great Idea!

--by LeeFae, posted Sep 3, 2011

I started a Really Really Free Market in my town as a way to bring the community together.

A Really Really Free Market is like a cross between a farmer's market and a garage/yard sale, except everything is free! People show up with stuff to give away and take what they need from other people's abundance.

It took a little while to catch on but now it seems fairly busy and I am trying to make it bigger and more fun so that more people have access to the wonder that is giving without expectation of reward and receiving without being judged.

It runs once a month on a Saturday afternoon and there are clothes, books, plants, biscuits, pasta, fruit, furniture, ornaments - and lots of other stuff. The kids all play together (it's at a park) and sometimes one family brings playdough, beads and colouring-in pictures for the children to play with.

I think it's so important to give people an opportunity to give because everyone, deep down, wants to share and help and give to others - but they don't think of it, or they think it's too hard, or weak or silly somehow. I want the people of my town to realise how awesome sharing with other people is. I also want the people in need to have a fun place to go where everything is free. This way there isn't the social stigma of soup kitchens or charity because it's just people sharing and no one needs to say, "Hey, I'm poor and I need help." They can turn up and go home with food and new clothes and having had a good time.

This was a big thing for me to do because I'm not really that comfortable around lots of people. I have to psych myself up for the week before every market so that I can cope with it all, and sometimes I still panic but I'm getting better.

I thought it was worth the effort because it's such a truly great concept, just like this site! If you have a Really Really Free Market near you please go check it out. If you don't have one then why not look it up online and start your own!

4289 Reads

Posted by LeeFae
Sep 3, 2011
Comments (28)

Readers Comments

Glowworm wrote: *is speechless... momentarily ;)*

Showing a whole community kindness and facing your SA at the same time... that blows me away. You are one kind and brave soul.

May God bless you and your efforts, and may you reap rich rewards of kindness in return.

-G.

Iwanna wrote: You are a brave and lovely person.
Your parents must be real proud of you.

MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: That is great! What a wonderful and helpful thing to do. I am sure you are doing far more good than you even know! :)

unknown wrote: What an awesome idea ! Esp. when you want to weave the community ! I will check this out immediately and spread the message ... Thank you Leefae ! Fantastic ! (-: :-) Deeper.

Aurelia wrote: This is a great way to recycle and also help those who might be in need but to proud to say so. I love how the kids can play together too.
~Aurelia

oldgirl wrote: You are a truly wonderful soul LeeFae as you have overcome your own social anxiety plus you are helping so many people.
Without your ReallyFreeMarket much of this would end up in the rubbish tip or stored away. Now they have a new home where they are actually need and will be used.

Congratulations on your initiative and hard work and may it go from strength tos trength.

annjav wrote: In addition to the goodness of sharing, i love the sense of community your idea brings about. People need other people for friendship and support as well as material things, and i love your whole idea. I commend you for overcoming your fears to do this, too. Bravo to you and your great idea!

Jan wrote: What a wonderful idea

Ollie wrote: What a truly remarkable way to get your community together. Kudos to you. Love , peace and joy.

CharlieB wrote: This is a wonderful idea and it is fantastic of you to take this opportunity to face your fears and do a good dead at the same time~

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