A local store is putting a new spin on the age-old habit of decorating and buying for the holidays – for every bauble or candle, dining room table or tablecloth runner a customer buys at Sandyport’s Oasis Furniture on Saturday the store will donate a percentage to Ranfurly Homes for Children to make the residence a warmer, cozier place for Christmas.

The idea for what’s being called the Sip, Shop & Support Holiday Happiness event came from proprietor Brooke Phillips.

A long-time behind-the-scenes supporter of the children’s home, she enlisted the help of several vendors who also agreed to set up in front of the store located under Club One in the Sandyport Plaza or in the shop and donate a portion of their sales.

“We’re honoured to be able to support the team at Ranfurly Homes for Children over the holidays.

They work so hard every day to ensure that young Bahamians who faced disappointment or heartbreak in their earlier years know they are loved and cared for so they can develop into strong, productive young adults who believe in themselves,” said Phillips, who remembers going to Ranfurly and reading to little ones many a Saturday when she was younger.

“I’d see a little girl hugging a teddy bear that used to be mine or I had bought with my allowance for them and I was so touched every time.

I knew when I was old enough, I would find a way to help Ranfurly and this is just a small start, but hopefully in the right direction.”

The Sip, Shop & Support Holiday Happiness event will run from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday.

Participating vendors include Café Channing Noelle, #320 Nice Cream, and Liquid Courage.

Wood artist Morgan McKinney’s work, books by Bahamian authors including Sir Orville Turnquest and Sofia Whitehead, music by Kirkland ‘KB Bodie’, and work by other craftsmen will be available with a portion of all sales going to Ranfurly.