Highway mother and daughter unite for a good cause

A COMPASSIONATE mother and daughter team, who are also the co-owners of a charity shop, are celebrating the privilege they have of paying out just over a million Rand to the beneficiaries of the shop.

Barbara Laubscher and her daughter, Courtney Masterton, are passionate about helping victims of crime and poverty or uplifting those who are most vulnerable with special needs or disabilities.

When they started this business, three years ago, they never expected such growth and support.

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“It was 1 May 2016 when we started our own business; Social Cause Agency. We had no idea where this would eventually lead, but 10 months later, in March 2017, we established our first shared charity shop at a small premises in Sarnia before moving to a larger premises in Paige Place, corner of Bamboo Lane and Portsmouth Road, Pinetown,” said Laubscher.

Before starting this business, Laubscher was a consultant for non-profits organisations.

“I just thought to myself why don’t I just unite these charities so that they can share resources.

“We have eight beneficiaries, 80 per cent of the profits goes to them and 20 per cent goes to towards the daily running and staff salaries,” explained Laubscher.

Apart from running the shop, the duo is also involved in other causes such as collecting food for the Elders Voice and many others, “we recently donated to the Gift of the Givers to assist with helping the flood victims.”

“We love what we do, we always wake up everyday looking forward to help where we can, it truly makes our lives worthwhile.

“These NPO’s touch the lives of so many people in our very own communities and these stories are seldom told as they quietly go about their work albeit under a huge amount of pressure as funding is always an immense challenge. These are our heroes and we are humbled that we have been in the position to lighten their load by providing much needed funds,” said Laubscher.

She thanked the community who embraced the idea of a shared charity shop and who have come to support these causes by either volunteering their time or donating items.

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“I thank my daughter, Courtney, the amazing staff we have, our volunteers who give their all to ensure the smooth running, individuals and schools who donate items. We appreciate each and every one of you and we appeal for companies to also come on board and support this cause,” said Laubscher.

Courtney added that economic times are tough and many people believe that they cannot donate because they have no money, “but everyone has an item somewhere that he/she no longer has use for it that they can donate to the shop.

“The items that are popular in the shop are clothes, children’s toys, household decor, kitchenware, antique and picture frames. Donating your unwanted items and shopping for bargains in our now growing and ever so popular charity shop,” said Courtney.

“For us, this is only the beginning. We are super excited about the future and invite each and everyone of you to join us as we strive to make South Africa a better place for us all,” added Laubscher.

People who wish to donate can contact Barbara Laubscher on 082 306 1647 or email barbara @socialcause.co.za. The shop is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4.30pm. On Saturdays and public holidays from 9am to 1pm, they are also open on the first Sunday of every month from 9am to 1pm.

The charity beneficiaries of the shared charity shop are:

The Jes Foord Foundation, Bobbi Bear, Baby Hope House, Little Lambs Baby Home , Sarda Durban (South African Riding for the Disabled Association), Sizanani – Academy of Sewing and Fashion Design, John Wesley School and the Pinetown Highway Child and family Welfare Society

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