Got too much of something, or it no longer fits your lifestyle? Too much fruit or veges? Kids grown out of it? Cleaning out the shed?

The Rotary Club of Ōtūmoetai is set to host its popular Car Boot Sale on Sunday, June 1, at the Ōtūmoetai College car park, with an opportunity for people to sell their unwanted treasures.

Since its inception in November 2022, the monthly event has grown into a vibrant community hub, drawing residents looking to buy, sell, and socialise.

The sale runs from 8am – 11am, with sellers able to set up from 7.30 am. Entry for sellers is $10 per space, making it an affordable way for locals to declutter, sell unwanted items, or grab a bargain.

The event usually features between 25 and 40 stalls and regularly offers a sausage sizzle and coffee cart for attendees.

In a special highlight for this month’s sale, Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell and Tauranga City Councillor Glen Crowther will be attending from 8.30am to 10.30am to meet with residents, answer questions, and discuss local and national issues.

Organisers hope their presence will encourage even more people to come along and engage with their representatives.

“For our Ōtūmoetai Rotary Club, the car boot sale is one of our major club income earners,” said Jean-Paul Thull, one of the event coordinators. “And we always have a great team behind the barbecue and on a regular basis a coffee cart.

“Considering having our top political actors on the ground should attract plenty of people on 1 June, giving them options to share views about the city or national politics.”

Thull said the Car Boot Sale is not only a great place to find bargains or make a bit of cash but has also become a Sunday gathering spot for the community.

“All proceeds go towards supporting the Rotary Club’s local and international projects.”

The Rotary Club of Ōtūmoetai hosts a Car Boot Sale at Ōtūmoetai College on the first Sunday of every month from 8am - 11am.  Photo/Supplied.

Proceeds from the sale help fund a range of initiatives, including educational sponsorships for local students, leadership programs for young adults, community environmental projects, and humanitarian aid overseas — such as support for Ukrainian youth camps, ambulances for Ukraine, Cambodian sanitation projects, and NSW flood mitigation.

Thull said the club has been able to sponsor students to attend Outward bound, STEM Science, RYLA leadership for young adults 20-30 years, and Rotary exchange.

The club has also sponsored six Ōtūmoetai Intermediate school boys coming from difficult circumstances and about to enter college, contributing towards their college end of year trip.

Support for Hawkes Bay following Cyclone Gabrielle, K Valley pest control, weeding projects at Sydenham Park, as well as volunteering for Waipuna Hospice, Blind Foundation and others, are all part of the last few years’ involvement by the club.

Local businesses have been key sponsors, including Pak ‘N Save Cameron Road and Tauriko, New World Brookfield, Fresh Choice Ōmokoroa, SEEKA, Ingham Mora, Barfoot and Thompson, Signcentre Newton Street, Mitre 10 Mega, The Warehouse Tauriko, Port of Tauranga, Repco, Havana Barbers + Hair to Train, enabling the club to maintain low fees for sellers and deliver a well-organised car boot sale event.

Sellers interested in booking a spot or those wanting to learn more about recycling electronic goods (a fee applies) can contact Brian on 021 122 8735 or Bevan on 027 461 2127.

The Rotary Club of Ōtūmoetai also welcomes new members eager to get involved in community service and fundraising.