VIDEO: Help Pop Up Street Store give the materially poor a day of “retail therapy”
"The Street Store is about demonstrating that we are all equal and deserving of dignity."
ONCE a year the annual Pop Up Street Store in Durban’s CBD provides those who are materially poor, with the chance to experience the type of shopping many of us tend to take for granted.
The store will be “popping up” on Saturday, 1 June and the organisers are looking for help, both in the form or donations of items to “sell” as well as manpower to help with the logistics of the day.
“All involved are looking forward to creating a dignified, free shopping experience for the materially poor in our city. Grace Family Church, in partnership with the Denis Hurley Centre, will be hosting the Pop Up Street Store from 8.30am-12.00pm at 2 Cathedral Road (Denis Hurley Centre),” said Grace aid coordinator Dimitra Nicolau.
These type of pop-up shopping experiences – first founded in January 2014 by Max Pazak and Kayli Levitan with the support of M&C Saatchi Abel Cape Town under the name “Hang-Up and Help Out!” – provide a place where unwanted clothing, donated by people, are displayed so that those in need can view and ‘buy’ – except there is no cost involved for the ‘shopper’.
Nicolau said anyone can get involved.
“You can get involved by taking a look through your cupboards and donating to this fantastic cause. Grace Family Church is calling for donations of like-new clothing, shoes, and accessories for all ages, as well as non-battery operated toys for kids. Donations can be dropped off at the Grace uMhlanga, Riverside or Ballito church campuses during the week. There is also a large shipping container, sponsored by Container World, based at Grace uMhlanga and the target is to fill it to the brim with the above-mentioned donations. Each year it is incredible to see the people of Durban coming together to support this initiative. Key sponsor JAM Clothing provides a significant amount of clothing and shoes to support the Street Store as well.”
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People are also needed to help on the day of the store as assistants as well as in helping to sort through donations at Grace Family Church which is based in uMhlanga.
“You are invited to assist in sorting the donated items at Grace Family Church (uMhlanga) on Saturday, 25 May, between 8am and 12pm. You’re welcome to join for 5 minutes or the whole time. This is suitable for families, of all ages, to get involved in serving the community. No need to sign up for that. Just arrive and have fun,” said Nicolau.
On the day of the Street Store, clothing is hung up and donated items are displayed for ‘shoppers’ to browse and select what they need and like.
A volunteer personal shopper welcomes each person, and once they’ve shopped they can get a free haircut and lunch if they wish. Adults and children off Durban’s streets are provided with an opportunity to fulfill a basic need while enjoying a free shopping experience.
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Anyone wanting to volunteer to be a personal shopper or general assistant on the day of the store can also sign up using the following URL: https://tinyurl.com/thestreetstore.
‘The Street Store is about demonstrating that we are all equal and deserving of dignity. Volunteer with us, showing love and kindness to each person as they choose clothing, enjoy a meal, and have a haircut,” added Dave Richter of Grace Family Church.
“The Durban Street Store is an event that brings our city together and extends hope and generosity to those in need. It’s an inspiring way for us to come together as one, caring for those in need. So the question is… will you join the movement this year?”
WATCH 2018 video:
For more info about this event, email rosemary@grace.org.za or you can take a look at the Grace Family Church website (www.grace.org.za) to sign up. https://tinyurl.com/thestreetstore. Otherwise, take a look at www.thestreetstore.org website.
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