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For Donna Gallinger, a popular vendor with Northern Lights Health Foundation’s Marketplace Program, she never expected to be selling Tupperware. Tupperware found her.
“Being in a smaller community, you get to meet people and one of my girlfriends said ‘why not you come to a girls’ night out,” says Donna, who resided in Fort McMurray for 38 years before semi-retiring to Athabasca. “It wasn’t until I got there that I realized it was a Tupperware Party. I said I didn’t want to sell Tupperware but some of my friends convinced me to host a show.”
Donna hosted her first two shows, which were a great success and the success has continued from there.
“I did two shows [in Fort McMurray], one on Friday and one on Saturday, and it just blew me away. I signed up 40 people within two months and was like, oh my goodness,” she says. “Since then, I’ve continued selling the products. I sell them because I believe in the brand and I believe in the quality of the product.”
Donna’s products range from the ever-popular Modular Mates® to Microwavable Containers to Drink Tumblers and everything in between.
“Fort McMurray is a working town and products like the Modular Mates® appeal to people in the community,” says Donna.
Donna, who joined the Marketplace Program in early 2014, says she enjoys selling her products at the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre for a variety of reasons.
“I enjoy coming here. I’m able to visit my family in Fort McMurray, but also enjoy it because I see many old friends, make new acquaintances. Last time I was here, I saw my friend and found out her husband had just passed away here [the Health Centre], which was sad, but I was happy to connect with her and give her hugs,” she says. “I’m a people person so I enjoy that part. It sells itself [Tupperware]. People enjoy it. People get excited and love the colourful displays.”
For Donna, being a part of Marketplace also allows her to bond with the patients and residents of the Health Centre.
“You get to know the [Continuing Care] residents, and when you ask about someone and hear they’ve passed away, you get all heartfelt. You get connected to them,” she says.
The Health Foundation’s Marketplace is a unique opportunity for businesses, such as Donna’s, to promote themselves, reach new clients, sell their products and show support for health care in Wood Buffalo.
Each year, the Health Foundation’s Marketplace raises approximately $15,000 in support of vital medical equipment, programs and services in Wood Buffalo. To become a Marketplace Vendor, contact us.
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