Thrifting for good: How buying second-hand boosts palliative care

The Association of Palliative Care Centres (APCC) is urging the public to consider purchasing ‘second-hand goods for first-class care’ in commemoration of World Hospice Palliative Care Day, which celebrates its 20^th anniversary on Saturday.

Hospice charity shops have been around for decades, long before thrifting became popular to help save the environment or ensure more bang for your buck. They are not only sophisticated and well-stocked but serve a deeper purpose – they raise funds that contribute to the provision of palliative care services.

According to the EPR Waste Association of South Africa (eWASA), ‘Today, the second-hand clothing sector in South Africa is worth nearly R10b, with thrift stores and charity shops popping up in every city’. On its website, the association lists second-hand stores across the country and highlights a few popular thrifting apps, including ‘Hospice Shops’.

Boosting palliative care funds

The APCC has over 90 members nationally, many of which refer to themselves as hospices.

As NPOs with limited government support, they fundraise to cover running costs and provide palliative care services, with many having branched out into retail to complement their fundraising activities.

This is a source of sustainable income, says Robbie Slabbert, the HOD of Highway Hospice.

He explains that charity-based retail stores cover their running costs and donate the balance of the income to the hospice.

“This goes towards providing palliative care services. It puts a different light on what we do. We know that every item purchased goes into an expense pot that ultimately provides specialised and holistic services to anyone diagnosed with a life-threatening illness,” says Slabbert.

Palliative care extends to loved ones, includes bereavement, and is a form of healthcare that everyone will one day need – whether for themselves or someone they love.

APCC members provide palliative care services to people with and without private healthcare support. “In the case of the latter, the cost is borne by our member organisation,” says Dr Ewa Skowronska, the APCC’s CEO.

“Anyone receiving a life-threatening diagnosis should have access to the care and support required to navigate their journey – whether that be curative or end-of-life.

“The stores provide much-needed income to assist members to cover expenses, from infection control to fuel, vehicles, provisions, medications, surgical supplies and more,” says Skowronska.

Popular shopping destinations

“Our two shops are popular shopping destinations,” says Priscilla Brown from Breede River Hospice, explaining that they are in a region frequented by tourists.

“Tourists can pop in for a book to read while on holiday, a fresh set of clothing or a gift to take back home.

“Our mission is to provide a budget shopping experience, while providing quality second-hand goods. We came up with the slogan, second-hand goods for first-class care, in January 2019,” she says.

Excellent quality second-hand goods

“I studied charity shop retail in the UK,” says Slabbert.

“Oxfam is a great example of how endemic the thrift shop philosophy is in the UK. In South Africa, we are moving towards considering how wasteful it is to constantly buy fast fashion or new furniture when there are stores such as hospice thrift shops that provide access to excellent quality second-hand goods.

“Our most popular items are ladieswear, books, kitchenware and furniture. We have noted a shift towards consumers becoming more environmentally conscience and getting a great deal for their budget. When donating or shopping one becomes more than a customer or donor, but part of the Hospice thrift shop family,” he adds.

“With all our members constantly working to improve their individual APCC accreditation level against the Standards for Palliative Healthcare Services they are ensuring the provision of the highest standard of palliative care,” says Skowronska.

“In 2023, from data recorded by 54 members, 1 529 million interventions took place – 64% clinical, 17% psychological, 16% social and 3% spiritual. Each time you purchase an item from a member-owned store, you assist in providing this critical care,” she adds.

A list of member-owned thrift stores can be found here.