Tzu Chi holds first rummage sale at BTCC

January 16, 2024

Tzu Chi holds first rummage sale at BTCC

Proceeds went to supporting the foundation’s charity initiatives.

By Joy Rojas

New and pre-owned clothes, toys, houseware, and kitchenware items were snapped up quickly at Tzu Chi Foundation’s first rummage sale on January 13 at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus (BTCC) in Sta. Mesa, Manila. Residents living near the campus showed up for the 8 am opening to get first dibs on sale items, whose proceeds went to funding Tzu Chi’s various charity initiatives.

“In the Philippines, it’s called ‘ukay ukay,’” says Tzu Chi volunteer Sally Yuñez. “We’re selling products from our recycling program. The items that we sorted were donated by our donors and I think the community needs them too. Normally, we do the sale in our partner communities in Marikina or San Mateo, but since we have the space and are utilizing it to collect recyclables, we decided to use it to sell. I hope the people will know about us and more people will come.”

Among the early birds were Anthony Santillan, who bought towels and a pair of reflexology slippers; Leo Loreno, who purchased sandals; Joseph Santiago, who got a mirror and clock; Edison Velarde who bought a stuffed toy and play sword; Sonny Cruz who went home with a giant teddy bear; and John Villones, who bought toy balls for his kids and stackable trays.

For Nenita Santos and her daughter Catheryn, the event wasn’t just an opportunity to contribute to Tzu Chi’s charity work; it was a chance to share their blessings with less-fortunate neighbors. The Santos’ haul included pillows, cooking pans, rugs from Tzu Chi’s recycling program, and an assortment of toys.

“We have a home in Antipolo and we plan to give what we bought to the neighborhood kids and mothers,” says Catheryn, who learned of the rummage sale through an announcement from community chairman Philip Manabat. “My mother knows that when Tzu Chi holds sales, their secondhand items are very affordable yet of good quality. Since we hadn’t given our neighbors any Christmas gifts yet, we plan to give them what we bought.”

“Thank you, Tzu Chi, for organizing a rummage sale for those who are not well off,” adds Catheryn. “We can’t afford expensive items, but your secondhand items are good and can still be used at home. We’re also aware that the money we used in this sale will go to helping others. Thank you.”

Tzu Chi Foundation held its first rummage sale on January 13 at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus (BTCC) in Sta. Mesa, Manila. Residents from the community purchased new and secondhand clothes, toys, houseware, and kitchenware. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】

Nenita Santos (left) and her daughter Catheryn check out a pair of jeans at the Tzu Chi rummage sale. The Santoses bought a lot of items to give away to neighbors in their Antipolo home. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】

Tzu Chi volunteer Sally Yuñez said that proceeds from the rummage sale will go to supporting Tzu Chi Foundation’s many charity initiatives. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】