Marian 2nd Chance Outlet

What was known as Parish Garage Sales Shop before is now transformed and renamed ‘Marian 2nd Chance Outlet.’ It has a very humble beginning, with parishioners contributing used items to be sold as recycled items.

Nov 27, 2014

By DaliusLL, Parish Soccom
What was known as Parish Garage Sales Shop before is now transformed and renamed ‘Marian 2nd Chance Outlet.’ It has a very humble beginning, with parishioners contributing used items to be sold as recycled items. Proceeds from the recycled items were encouraging and a supplemental income channelled to the Parish coffers.

Patrick Seah, the person who saw the opportunity of making use of these useful resources, applied the economic theory of matching demand and supply. According to him, he emulated the Catholic Churches in Singapore. St Mary’s Cathedral has a sizable Catholic population. Thus, getting donations of used items and materials is not difficult.

He shared, “As long as parishioners understand the concept and know that they are channelling their resources for the Church, things will flow smoothly.” Thus the Garage Shop concept became a reality. In November 2009, when he was entrusted to look for funds for the then Diocesan Pastoral and Worship Centre, he managed to raise RM20,000 through garage sales within nine months.

After having accomplished the fundraising project, Fr Thomas Makajil, the rector recommended that the sale of used items be continued to raise funds for the Parish. The Parish Garage Shop, then located at the Parish Hall, was officially opened for business on the 1st Sunday of March 2012 operating every Sunday from 8.30am – 12.00noon.

After two and a half years in operation, Fr Thomas saw that there is a need for the garage shop to move to a more convenient and proper space without being disrupted by the normal Sunday Morning Sale in the Parish Hall. With the growing popularity of St Mary’s Cathedral as the pilgrimage centre, and with the Marian Mount Rosary Corridor, the Marian Bookstore and the Mission House lodging house, the Garage shop was relocated adjacent to the Parish Office.

Looking at the present structure, nobody would have thought that it was previously a car porch. The renovated shop cost some RM19,000, funded by generous parishioners. The Garage Shop was officially opened on Sunday, October 12.

Patrick Seah, in his note of appreciation has this to say, “The Marian 2nd Chance would not have been what it is today without your participation, as customers at our store, donors or one of our volunteers. You are playing a part in helping our Church. We have no employees, only volunteers. In this manner, all the proceeds go to the church. Please continue to lend your generous support to the Marian 2nd Chance Outlet”.

The practice of sharing through the Marian 2nd chance is an opportune occasion in bringing the community to a better understanding of the Creator and the stewardship of God’s creation.

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