Vendors are as young as four years old and no older than 12 at this marketplace in Toronto

All kinds of markets take place across Toronto, but there’s one with over 60 vendors that are all below the age of 12, with some as young as just four years old. The best part is, the whole market operates in support of kids just like them.

Kids’ Marketplace was created by local non-profit Kid2Kid, raising funds for the Red Door Family Shelter in Leslieville.

While there may be an age limit for vendors at the market, there’s certainly no limit to their offerings. Kids are selling everything from cupcakes, lip balm and bath products to apparel, accessories, slime and key chains, donating 50 per cent of their profits.

“Kids are so creative. We are blown away at the ideas for products that kids come up with,” Kid2Kid co-founder Caroline Thomson tells YourCityWithIN.com.

“We ensure that there is only one vendor per type of product. For example, if someone is selling homemade muffins, we ensure to not create direct competition by vetting the ideas first. One vendor that stood out for me was handmade lip gloss called Pucker Up with a hockey puck design on it created by a hockey-loving nine-year-old.”

Profits go to the Got Your Back initiative, which provides backpacks and new school supplies to children residing at the Red Door Family Shelter.

And even though they’re little kids, those profits are big: previous editions of the market in 2023 and 2024 have raised over $27,000.

“It took a lot of dedication, long days, and a strong belief in our vision to slowly bring everything together. Despite the exhaustion, we were thrilled to raise $10,000 in our very first year,” Kid2Kid co-founder Shah Ruby tells YourCityWithIN.com.

“We also had a few early doubts, like whether kids would be interested in signing up, if they’d be willing to donate 50 per cent of their hard-earned money, and whether people would even show up to support the event. What helped us push through was staying focused on our purpose: creating a meaningful opportunity for young people to learn about entrepreneurship, giving back, and building empathy for peers facing more difficult circumstances.”

Vendors are as young as four-year-old Penelope, selling maple syrup and honey with her eight-year-old brother Beckette, and are no older than 12-year-olds Emma and Charlotte selling cotton candy and tanghulu.

“Kids working together to support kids in need has brought our community together. We are so grateful for the volunteers of all ages and generations who help make this event possible. We already have 50 kid vendors who signed up and we had to make more space this year to welcome more vendors,” says Thomson.

“Excitement is in the air. Pictures are coming in of the kids preparing their goods and we see that they, and their parents, are hard at work. The response to the sharing of the proceeds with the kids and the charity is also very positive. It gives a greater purpose to the work and is rooted in kindness.”

The third annual Kids’ Marketplace will take place on May 31 from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. at The Beaches Recreation Centre at 6 Williamson Rd.