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The annual Altrusa Fabric Bazaar was a hit again as crafters packed out the old BNZ bank building on the corner of Thames and Coquet St.
The sale began over a weekend at the start of this month and was followed by a two-week pop-up shop in the same location to raise money for scholarships and swimming lessons for students.
Altrusa International of Oamaru president Jeanette Halcrow said the event was a “huge success”.
“It’s the best fabric bazaar fundraiser to date in terms of money raised.
“We thank the people of Oamaru and beyond for their support — some folk came back in for return visits.
“As a club we spend a huge amount of time before opening and several committees work hard on the measuring and pricing for many months,” she said.
Bazaar co-ordinator Claire Jelgersma said they were “thrilled” with the turnout.
“It went very well this year.
“We were a bit worried at the start with the change of venue, as we have traditionally been at the Scottish Hall for the initial sale weekend and then moved to another venue, but it didn’t matter one bit really.”
Mrs Jelgersma said they “always have a crowd waiting to get in on the first day and they had a steady amount of people over the two weeks”.
“It was wonderful support from everyone,” she said.
Mrs Halcrow said the club was thankful to everyone who donated fabric, buttons, lace, haberdashery and craft items.
“We couldn’t do it without you.”
She said profits from the fabric and haberdashery sale will go towards providing books for babies, secondary school scholarships, swimming lessons including towels and goggles and afternoon tea for seniors.
Altrusa International of Oamaru had also recently made donations to the Hato Hone St John shuttle, Starship Foundation for Otago, Southland Helicopter Trust, Womens Refuge and Ovarian Cancer Foundation, Mrs Halcrow said.