The Tokai Forest Market is making an appeal for help after the devastation of the recent Cape Town fires resulted in the loss of equipment and facilities. Situated in the midst of the fire zone, this market has sadly been one of many to be affected by the fires, which were finally extinguished after a week of strong blazes that spread across the peninsula.
Originating in 2007 under the name of Porter Estate Market, the Tokai Forest Market has grown to become one of the city’s top outdoor markets. A host of activities offered for children and grownups, a scenic forest backdrop, plenty of food stalls and a wide variety of trader offerings have made the market popular with locals and visitors of all ages, while extended closing hours have allowed the market to stay open far longer than most weekend markets. Visitors are able to enjoy a leisurely Saturday lunch, fun day out and open-air shopping from 09h00 until 14h00.
While some stalls managed to avoid major damage, the market’s container, rest rooms and winter cover have all been destroyed from the fire damage that occurred throughout the area this month. The children’s play area has also been partially destroyed, while a number of traders lost all of their goods and equipment. The total damage cost to the market has reached over R300, 000 thus far, and for many traders who rely on the weekly markets as an income source, the resulting loss of equipment and income will be overwhelming. As a small, privately run market, the real costs of such damage can be too high to measure – for traders and founders who have invested greatly in growing the market to its current popularity.
The Tokai Forest Market is appealing to its loyal fans to assist in any way possible. Some of the items that are most desperately required in order for the market to continue include the following:
• Building material such as galvanised sheeting, wooden screen, container shelving, poles, wood and paint;
• Winter equipment such as patio heaters;
• Summer equipment such as portable misters, outdoor umbrellas and garden canopies;
• Electrical and sound equipment such as outdoor speakers, power box for current, microphone, inverter, truck battery and 7x25m extension leads;
• General items such as gas cylinders, chairs and tables, cushions for the relaxation area, table cloths and generators.
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As the city of Cape Town rallies together to rebuild, regenerate and revive after the destruction of the week-long fires, the generosity of the community has been testament to how much good can be achieved when working together. For those able to assist with the rebuilding of one of the region’s favourite community events, Tokai Forest Market would like to express their gratitude.
Donations can be made through the following methods:
Bank Deposit:
Name: Capitec Bank
Type: Savings Account
Branch Code: 470010
Account Number: 13401002
Equipment Donations:
Rodgers fruiteress in Kommetjie.
OR
Tokai Market organiser’s residence: 18 white road Tokai
OR
You can deliver good straight at the market.
Tokai Forest Market is open from 09h00 until 14h00 every Saturday. Find them on their website at www.TokaiForestMarket.co.za or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/
