Fundraiser for “Gains for Guyana” at The Marketplace Vintage & Thrift Set for July 27

Greenwich High School students Eva Barber and Tyler Bell continue their work toward raising $10,000 for their effort, “Gains for Guyana,” a country in South America where poverty is widespread.

Next Sunday, July 27 from 12:00 to 4:00pm Eva Barber and Tyler Bell are partnering with Kate and Meg Fronio for a shopping fundraiser to benefit Gains for Guyana at The Marketplace, a popular vintage thrift store in Byram.

Located at 248 Mill Street, the shop is bursting with jeans and vintage apparel, jewelry, vinyl records, kitchenware, artwork  – you name it.

The fundraising effort was was inspired by Eva’s conversation with an Uber driver from Guyana who described life in his impoverished home country during a ride across town. Eva recalled learning that children in that South American country’s lack of basic necessities that Greenwich students take for granted. She told Tyler what she had learned and that not only do many children in Guyana lack computers, they lack simple items like pencils. And nutritious food. And clean water.

Tyler and Eva decided to take action.

Last year the Greenwich High School students and their friends found creative ways to raise funds including a successful Photos with Santa event at the American Legion building in Glenville.

Eva and Tyler, now rising GHS juniors, launched a GoFundMe titled, “Donate to improve schools and lives in Guyana” that is still active for donations.

And this week they are busy planning a fundraiser at The Marketplace with the Fronio sisters who manage the store.

Typically items are donated to The Marketplace – occasionally they will take a special item on consignment –  to be resold, reused and appreciated by someone new.

The Fronios often help clear out estates and work with people who are grateful to see items in grandma’s attic find their way to an appreciate customer.

Stop by The Marketplace, 248 Mill Street in Byram on Sunday, July 27 from 12:00 to 4:00 to learn more about Gains for Guyana and shop for vintage items.

The Marketplace on Facebook.

The Marketplace on Instagram.

Tel. (203) 531-6030

Guyana, a severely impoverished country in South America, contains many who struggle with poverty-related deprivations. With 43.4% of the nation surviving off less than $5.50 a day, it puts them at the World Bank poverty line, according to UNICEF. Poverty poses a significant challenge for many families, especially impacting the quality of and ability to access education for children. Guyana’s education consists of a lack of school supplies, uniforms, and meals. Underfunded learning environments make it impossible to reach a student’s learning potential. Clean drinking water remains an issue as well, as their water is not sanitized, accessible, or of good quality. Water pollution remains due to sewage and industrial chemicals, leading to unsafe drinking water.

Check out the Gains for Guyana Instagram page

Gains for Guyana’s Eva and Tyler can be contacted at [email protected]