​In February 2020 we hosted Fashion Splash just before Covid 19 shut the world down. Every event Nomad Markets puts on always has a socially responsible aspect, donating money and awareness to foundations like the Women's Transition House or Food banks at our Christmas Craft Fair. Since we are still in shut down and social gatherings and events are not going to happen this Christmas, I have come up with an idea to help out some kids in Mexico who could really use some baseball gloves. 

This won't be a huge event, but it is important to a small town in Mexico that has a growing group of kids that want to play Baseball. They play with limited equipment, fields that are sometimes just dirt, they play for the love of the game, they play to have fun and they train for many hours to improve their game.   ​

  A few years ago a small group of snowbirds from Victoria noticed some kids playing on fields in Sayulita, Mexico that looked more like unpaved parking lots than the green grass we know as baseball fields. They started asking friends to donate some equipment to help the enthusiastic kids. This sparked a movement that attracted more kids to play and then a couple of coaches. Since Nomad was not able to Fill the Rail Car with food this year due to Covid shut downs, maybe we can gather over 100 baseball gloves to help more kids learn the game. Maybe, just maybe they can come to Victoria and play a game.  

The Goal is to collect 100 or more used baseball gloves before the end of December. If you have some baseball gloves that have been out grown please donate.  Here is how you can help. ​

​No doubt, this is one of the most challenging years in history. All is not lost as it has given creative-minded individuals the time to catch up to the digital age. Some of us have found new passions, others are maximizing online order, and some are taking time for themselves. I have talked to a few artists that are having a tough time buying food. Unfortunately, I have two on the streets with their hand out, which broke my heart. 

We all have stories that build us up to who we are. This year will be one to remember. 

The Nomad Holiday Market is cancelled for 2020. It was just getting started, but it has a good fan base, and I am sure when it comes back, it will be bigger and better. 

If you are a new artist and would like information on becoming a successful Market vendor check out Joseph Gonyeau's Podcast 
on SPOTIFY  

Joseph  ​I can't thank all the people involved in fashion splash enough for there help, support and willingness to show up as audiences members and Volunteers. The show was a success on the cusp of unprecedented times in Canada, Ticket sales were hamperred by the Virus and the event lost money. That being said the Silent auction raised over $1200.00 for the Victoria Womans Transition House. The community showed so much enthusiasm for the show that Fashion Splash will happen again. ( maybe in a warmer location). 

I have worked in the artist community for the last 24years, I must say there has been ups and downs.  911, the great recession, the dot com crash, and SARS and in each instant that such events occurred there was a moment of Denial, fear, panic and then quite, and in every case, there was the recovery. We will get through this. 

This new company, Nomad Market Events has cancelled the Spring Market and will look at a summer event once the Virus is under control.  I recommend taking the extra time we have to enjoy family and friends and use creative thought and action to disperse the fear, so when the recovery starts, we are all ready to get on creating a better world.  

​Joseph Gonyeau
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