Cottage’s annual fair raises record $80,000

QUEENSCLIFF-BASED children’s charity Cottage by the Sea has celebrated its most successful Annual Fair to date, raising a record-breaking $80,000 to support, and meet the increasing demand for, its programs.

An estimated 3,000 community members came together last Saturday to support the not-for-profit’s biggest and longest-running fundraiser, enjoying a pop-up market filled with items donated by local businesses and producers.

A wide variety of stalls formed this year’s market, with fresh produce, jewellery, secondhand books, clothing donated by Milky Kids Clothing, plants from Van Loon’s Nursery and food and equipment from PFD Foods among the products on offer.

A Hamilton resident named John made the trek down to Queenscliff for the 10th consecutive year to deliver a carload of wooden toys, handmade by members of the Hamilton Community Shed, while Harvey’s of Highton once again supplied the market with fruit and vegetables.

The Harvey Family has supported the fair for more than 20 years.

Continuing his own family’s longstanding tradition – which spans back to the late 1800s – of supporting Cottage by the Sea, Darren Allbutt also contributed some of his woodwork and sculptures to the fundraiser.

Chief executive officer Adam Wake said the annual fair encapsulated the overwhelming generosity of the local community.

“We loved seeing so many people enjoying the day at Cottage and contributing to the success of the fundraiser – our best yet,” he said.

“We thank everyone for their immeasurable efforts – from our dedicated volunteers to our generous donors, among our other dedicated supporters.”

A dedicated team of 165 volunteers helped to organise all of the stalls and products for sale on the day.

These volunteers included Cottage by the Sea board members, branch members, ambassadors, staff and their children.

Strategic partnerships manager Bill Kerr said the support of the local community had been incredible, with this year’s event made even more special by its proximity to Cottage’s 135 anniversary, which the charity will mark this year.

“The funds raised from the Annual Fair will help us bring more children to Cottage this year for an experience of a lifetime.”