Tony Mason with a donated yacht that went under the hammer at the Akaroa Paddy's Market Photo: Cosmo Kentish-Barnes
Every year on Easter Saturday, unwanted bric-a-brac goes under the hammer at a huge Paddy's Market and white elephant sale in Akaroa.
It's run by the Akaroa and Bays Lions Club, which raises thousands of dollars for the local community.
Donated goods collected by Lions volunteers over the past 12 months are displayed in lines across the recreation ground.
"We have two auction trucks that go up the lines and people bid and that's how we sell things," said Lions member and Paddy's Market organiser, Tony Mason.
Photo: Cosmo Kentish-Barnes
Photo: Cosmo Kentish-Barnes
From a yacht and old stereos, to saw benches and oddball furniture, it's an interesting cultural display of what people no longer want in their lives.
Erected in the corner of the ground is the make-me-an-offer white elephant marquee. It turns out a good place to be, as the day is showery.
Inside, 25 volunteers frantically load the tables with just about everything you can find in a house.
Photo: Cosmo Kentish-Barnes
Photo: Cosmo Kentish-Barnes
Photo: Cosmo Kentish-Barnes
Outside, hundreds of punters wait patiently, then at 10am, a bell rings and in they race.
After a few minutes, the tables have been ransacked for coin-priced stuff.
"It's surprising what people buy. There always seems to be something for somebody which is wonderful!" says white elephant co-ordinator Pip Mason.
At the end of the day it's all about supporting people in need, and Tony's hoping the fundraiser will generate at least $14,000.
"This market doesn't have a specific beneficiary. We raise this basically to have enough money in our coffers to be available to anyone who needs it."
Photo: Cosmo Kentish-Barnes
Photo: Cosmo Kentish-Barnes
Photo: Cosmo Kentish-Barnes
