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“SOS Ballon”, the first social market specialized in children and toys, opens in Vienna-Margareten.
© SOS Children’s Villages
The first social market for children and toys will open in Vienna next Tuesday. SOS Children’s Villages has been planning the project for 18 months. Its objective is to provide dignified support to families at risk of poverty. Countless products are offered, from toys to books and sports equipment. People with a maximum net income of 1200 euros have the right to make purchases; the amount increases for couples or multiple children.
“There are quite a few social markets in Vienna, but none focus on children’s items and toys,” said SOS Children’s Village director Clemens Klingan. But this is important because a child in poverty also has fewer and worse toys. “We are trying to give these children the opportunity to get good toys and beautiful clothes,” he said, asking for in-kind donations. “In this way we give families the opportunity to specifically support other families.”
First Viennese social market for toys and children for selective redistribution
Two women will run the small business near Pilgramgasse U4 station full time: Sarah Tanzer and Martina Wiener. “It was important for us to create a place of well-being where you enjoyed spending time,” said Wiener. Toys and clothing are offered at “SOS Ballon” at very reasonable prices. However, these are flexible. So everyone should be able to afford something. “We want to give back to these poverty-stricken families a part of their dignity,” Klingan said. Therefore, not only sales, but also personal discussions are an important part of the project.
“Our goal is to be able to redistribute them in a specific way,” Tanzer emphasized. Everyone can donate toys, but only people at risk of poverty can come and buy them. The income limit for single-parent families is 1,200 euros net. For couples, the maximum rent is 1,600 euros. The maximum amount increases by 250 euros per child. The store will open every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday starting next week. Also, the lock opens on the first Saturday of every month. Toys can also be delivered every Thursday to the Margareten district office.
The focus is on second-hand products. “A lot of the toys we have are used and in good shape,” Tanzer said. But some new products are also offered. “We have a lot, a lot of material,” Tanzer says confidently and hopes the deal is well received. “If everything goes really well, we will soon be open 24 hours,” he joked.
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