Thirteen years of an iconic Tauranga car boot sale is drawing to a close.

Originally based at Greerton Village School and now at Tauranga Racecourse, the Tauranga South Community Patrol has made the decision to end their monthly fundraising event.

'We are very grateful for the support of our vendors that have turned up to sell their goods each month for many years,” says TSCP chair Maureen Kathan.

'Two months ago we made the hard decision that all good things must come to an end – and so the May 20 car boot sale will be our final one.”

Maureen says as a fundraiser for the patrol, the sale has been very successful. 'Not only as a money-maker but also to meet the public and raise awareness of our work with the Police and in the community.” TSCP is dependent on raising funds in order to provide a patrol service each day and most nights. Although their office and patrol car are based at Greerton Police Station, it is not funded by Police; the patrol is run by volunteers who fundraise to cover operating costs.

They have received past funding from businesses, individuals and organisations – but the monthly market has been their main regular source of funds. 'Our patrollers have done a sterling job arriving, sometimes on cold, dark and damp mornings at 6.30am and staying until the last vendor has packed up five hours later,” says Maureen.

'We'd like to recognise the work of each and every one of our team members who supported our fund raising initiative. This was volunteerism at its best.” To join Tauranga South Community Patrol, email: taurangasouth@cpnz.org.nz