November 4, 2026
55
As the holiday season approaches, local residents will have a unique opportunity to shop sustainably, reduce waste, and embrace community sharing, at the Holiday Regift Market and Community Swap.
Hosted by the Kincardine Environmental Action Network (KEAN), the event will take place Sunday, Nov. 22, from 1:30-3:30 p.m., at Kincardine United Church.
The idea for the event was brought forward by community member Chrystel Murphy who suggested creating a local space where unused items could find new homes before the busy holiday shopping period. KEAN enthusiastically took on the initiative, noting that it aligns seamlessly with one of the organization’s primary areas of focus for 2026: encouraging a circular economy and actively reducing consumption across the region.
A circular economy focuses on keeping products, materials, and resources in use for as long as possible. By diverting unused items from landfills and reducing the demand for newly-manufactured goods, the regift market offers a practical step toward environmental sustainability at the grassroots level.
"We were thrilled when Chrystel (Murphy) brought this idea to us," said KEAN president Amanda Saxton. "Sustainable living doesn't have to be complicated. It really starts right here in our neighbourhood when we pass along extra treasures, trade with one another, and make holiday gift-giving a little kinder to the planet."
Every item featured at the event will be either brand-new or in like-new condition, ensuring shoppers can find quality gifts for friends and family without relying on traditional retail consumption.
The event offers several ways for community members to participate:
Sustainable Holiday Shopping: Discover unique, top-quality gifts without the environmental impact of retail consumption.
Community Swap Table: Attendees are invited to bring quality items they no longer need and exchange them for "new-to-you" treasures, operating on a simple "bring items, take items" system.
Charity Sales Table: KEAN is also accepting donations of new and like-new items to be sold at the event. All proceeds raised from these sales will be split evenly between the Kincardine Food Bank and the Kincardine and Community Health Care Foundation.
Food Bank Drive: Admission to the event is free, though non-perishable canned food donations for the local food bank will be gratefully accepted at the door.
By encouraging neighbours to swap, regift, and support local causes, KEAN hopes to foster a culture of mindful holiday giving while keeping local waste to a minimum.
Anyone looking to donate items for sale can send an E-mail message to kincardineean@gmail.com.
Related Stories
No related stories.