Hang up and help out at Durban Street Store
Donated clothes are hung up at a safe venue and the poor get to choose items they want and like.
AFTER more than 112 boxes of clothes were donated to 659 homeless recipients at last year’s Street Store, Grace Family Church and Grace Aid initiative, in partnership with Imagine Durban and Christ Church Addington, they will host another Pop Up Street Store at 398 Mahatma Gandhi Road (Christ Church Addington) in Durban on Saturday, 16 May from 8.30am to 12.00am.
The Street Store ensures that donated clothes are hung up at a safe venue and the poor get to choose items they want and like. For those who usually rummage in bins, this could be their first dignified ‘shopping experience’.
This novel SA initiative has gained world-wide momentum, with Street Stores having been set up in more than 120 cities worldwide.
“Homeless people impact everyone living in the city of Durban. We believe this is a priority for all. Even the City of Durban is on board, via Imagine Durban, to partner in this great initiative,” said Dave Richter of Grace Aid.
People can donate new or second-hand clothes in good condition, shoes and hats for all genders and ages, along with balls and toys for children. Donations can be dropped off at any Grace Family Church in Umhlanga, Ballito and Riverside. Clothing donor, JAM Clothing, will also have collection boxes in selected branches, including Amanzimtoti, Hillcrest, Umhlanga and Smith Street from 17 April.
Richter said the impact is not only on those receiving.
“The focus of the Street Store is to give dignity, as people choose their clothing, enjoy a meal and are blessed by volunteers whose sole aim is to make each person know they are significant and welcome,” added Richter.
This May the project hopes to reach 800 people and ensure the children’s area includes face painting and toys.
