A free pop-up store in Ferndale for the displaced
FERNDALE – One Small Act of Kindness and Doorway to Dignity are asking for members of the community to help as shop assistants or even help with the sorting of clothes.
One Small Act of Kindness and Doorway to Dignity in association with The Street Store, will host the world’s 801st pop-up store for displaced and destitute people living in and around Randburg.
One would think it is fitting that this special day falls on 1 September as, like the spring, it will bring with it a new sense of hope for those who often feel forgotten.
This pop-up store will be held at the Ferndale Bible Chapel from 11am to 2pm.
CEO of Doorway to Dignity, Trevor Webster said the purpose of the Street Store is to give people who struggle to survive an opportunity to select clothing, “At no cost to themselves, and in a way that preserves their dignity,” he said adding the donated clothes will be displayed on tables and hangers and customers are welcomed by a store assistant and guided through the store to select a number of items.
Established in Cape Town four years ago, the Street Store concept has become a worldwide phenomenon.
It is the world’s first rent-free, premises-free, pop-up clothing store for the homeless, located on the street and stocked by donors.
Kelly-Ann van der Meer from One Small Act of Kindness said, “We have been overwhelmed by the public’s generosity so far and welcome all donations of men’s, ladies and children’s clothing.
We are hoping to give each customer a toiletry pack as they leave our store, so are looking for donations of roll-on deodorant and feminine hygiene products.”
The two organisations are in need of volunteers to help as shop assistants on the day or help with the sorting of clothes on 25 August at Ferndale Bible Chapel, corner York Avenue and Dover Street.
Details: One Small Act of Kindness 082 513 2042 or Doorway to Dignity 065 147 9552.
