Santa Clause and Matt Pegdon – aka The Showman Perth – greet folk at the Perth Makers Market.

IF YOU’RE greeted with a joke and a beaming smile at Perth Makers Market in Applecross tomorrow (Sunday December 18) chances are it’ll be Matt Pegdon – aka The Showman Perth.

The 34-year-old participated in basketball at this year’s Special Olympics and runs a successful micro-enterprise as a professional MC and people-greeter.

“I like making people laugh,” said Pegdon, a naturally charismatic person with a big heart and a ready supply of jokes.

Pegdon turned his passion for conversation and humour into a business opportunity in 2017 with the help of Valued Lives Foundation, a not-for-profit he and his family helped establish almost 10 years ago.

Since then Pegdon’s been growing in confidence, meeting and greeting people professionally at a variety of events, from Perth Makers Market to City of Fremantle and City of Belmont events.

One of the highlights has been meeting three-time world boxing champion Danny Green.

“I’m a big fan,” Pegdon said.

Valued Lives Foundation played a lead role in helping him set up The Showman Perth, named after one of his favourite movies, the 2017 Hugh Jackman hit The Greatest Showman.

The not-for-profit provided advice and support, from helping organise an ABN number and set up social media, to connecting Pegdon with local community leaders.

Now a regular at Perth Makers Market, Pegdon is looking forward to showcasing his talents in front of a crowd of thousands at this month’s pre-Christmas market extravaganza tomorrow (Sunday December 18).

Valued Lives is one of several not-for-profits provided with stallholder space free-of-charge by the organisers of Perth Makers Market.

Market owner and organiser Erin Madeley said donating market stall space to a range of community groups and not-for-profits was one of the ways her business could give back to the community.

“Having ties to local communities has always been a real focus for our markets,” Ms Madeley says.

“The Valued Lives Foundation has always been part of our story and we’re delighted to be providing a platform for the talented entrepreneurs proving a disability doesn’t have to stand in the way of your business goals.”

The last Perth Makers Market for the year will be held at Goolugatup Heathcote, Applecross from 9.30am-3.30pm tomorrow (Sunday December 18).