What’s happening in our community: A Wellness Marketplace

Health and wellbeing are increasingly important in today’s world –and one of Hudson Road Family Centre’s newest groups are tackling this area head on.

Independent Advocate Barbara Cafagna is holding information sessions on the first Monday of each month from 7-8pm.

“We’re all about changing one family at a time in terms of raising awareness and getting them healthier for future generations,” Barbara said. “Wellness, abundance and community are the three pillars we sit on.”

Barbara is passionate about showing people that there are good, healthy products capable of improving life and reducing toxicity.

“The platform offers everything from non-perishable pantry goods, skin care, cleaning products, personal care and sports fitness, to an educational section with some amazing books that cover a wide range of health concerns,” she said.

“We’re raising community awareness that people can create an incredible life for themselves. It’s offered so many incredible things for me personally, especially from a personal development perspective – but the heart of it all is making food your medicine.”

Barbara said she has continued to focus on good health after having a stroke eight years ago at the age of 35.

“I was fit and healthy, but taking the contraceptive pill, which led to me having a stroke,” she said.

“I was extremely lucky I recovered on a physical level, because I was already physically started looking at how I could improve my health. That’s my personal story. There is still a place for modern medicine - I was thankful that it was there are at the time, it goes hand in hand with good health. You need to look after your body, and what’s around your home.”

Barbara held her first session in November, and her second just this month, with a good response.

“We had a combination of guests and advocates turn up,” she said.

“Our platform is a discretionary digital marketplace. All the merchants on our platform have to go before an independent product advisory board to prove they are what they say they are. The products all have to have what the ingredients are and the origin of source for each of those ingredients as well. There are certain criteria the product must adhere to before it can be considered, including being cruelty free, and containing no GMOs.

“These meetings are about getting people together and showing them what we’re doing, and inviting them to join the community as a customer or as a merchant,” Barbara said.
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“It’s a fantastic opportunity for people to join the community who share the vision and want to see positive change happening.”