UJ prepares homeless for winter
AUCKLAND PARK – Homeless residents enjoy a shopping experience made possible by UJ staff members.
University of Johannesburg students and staff members participated in a Street Store initiative for underprivileged residents in Auckland Park.
The initiative took place on 23 April and was attended by members of the community. UJ project coordinator Dale Kitchin said that this is the first time they have hosted such an initiative.
“Street Store is an opportunity to give back to the people who surround our campuses, who are part of the community of Joburg and are less fortunate than us. It is an endeavour to somehow in a small way, take care of our community ahead of winter – especially those we pass on the way in and out of work who we know live on the streets. We want to provide a dignified shopping experience to people who may have never had a shopping experience at all,” said Kitchin.
She added that the homeless people heard about the pop-up store through the team who handed out flyers about the Street Store and spread the word. Clothing was handed out for free at the store. Due to the great success of the store, Kitchin said that they would definitely want to do it again, in the same community.
“We limited the amount of clothes that the homeless could take. The men got to take up to five items such as two tops, two jerseys and a pair of pants. The women were allowed to take more items than men due to the large number of women’s clothes that were donated. We have chosen various garments that will became handy as winter approaches.” explained Kitchin.
Westbury resident Ernest Meyers said he appreciates the UJ Street Store initiative and that he got the opportunity to pick warm clothes that are suitable for him.
