Car boot sale aims to support Mid Canty’s youth

“This small fundraiser will also create a new vibrancy within the town’s centre.

“By making use of the West Street carpark, we are ensuring a spirit of the event throughout the Ashburton District,” Cameron said.

Smith, who originates from Mid Canterbury, said with the Marsden Point refinery closed and New Zealand’s only other liquid CO2 plant in Taranaki mothballed for safety reasons, the domestic supply is becoming critical.

“CO2 is widely used in the manufacture of goods and the transport of perishable products by both importers and exporters,” he said.

“New Zealand urgently needs dry-ice, made from CO2 to transport perishable goods around the country and overseas.”

Cherries and strawberries are in their peak season and Smith said the shortage of CO2 could seriously damage an industry that’s already struggling through the pandemic.

“When Kiwis head to the check-out they will likely face higher prices for many goods,” Smith said.

Calling all young entrepreneurs.

The Ashburton Plains Rotary Club is starting up a monthly car boot sale to help highlight our youths’ talents.

Club president, Carolyn Cameron, said holding the monthly event would be a great way to revitalise the town’s spark and is an opportunity for people to sell off unwanted items or grant exposure to young entrepreneurs.

“In particular we want to give our youth the chance to make a start in their career supported by Ashburton’s community,” Cameron said.

Sellers will not only benefit from exposure for their small business for $20 per car boot, but create another way to meet like-minded people in the community.

All proceeds will go towards the Plains Rotary charitable trust, Cameron said, which funds many projects such as scholarships, grants and programmes to support all careers.

The first car boot sale will take place on February 5 from 10am-1pm, and then repeat once every month.

Cameron said she “looks forward to seeing our public support our aspiring youth in their future professions”.