Buy or donate in support of a charity thrift store

The Johannesburg Children’s Home was grateful for the opening of a thrift store in Norwood in support of the home.

The charitable institution founded in 1892 caters for children of all races between the ages of three and 18.

At the launch of the thrift store, social enterprise manager Sandra Perry welcomed the Norwood community and customers from neighbouring suburbs. She said thrifting was really about reducing waste, toning down on ‘consumption and consumerism’ and also asking people to be responsible in the way they dispose of waste.

“We want to look at e-waste collectors that can come on a particular day to collect e-waste as well as recyclers who will collect other materials so that we connect this economy in a way that people see the value of, and create new value out of old products,” said Perry.

She added that the shop personnel had to be treasure hunters who selected as well as cleaned items to be sold in the shop. The items which were not sellable would be used for upcycling; for example, buttons and zips from clothes could be cut into smaller pieces and used to staff cushions. Perry explained that there were already collaborations with a seamstress, a laundryman and a coffee shop down the road for customers to get discounted coffee.

“Twice a week at the Johannesburg Children’s Home on a Wednesday from 9am to 2pm and on Friday from 9am to 12am, we have jumble sales and pop-up shops. We needed more space so that people can come in and we have set up with lots of much cheaper items which we sell in bulk.”

She said there are 64 children in the home and they would like them to be involved in producing some of the items to be resold in the shop. Youngsters who interact with customers and understand their needs are the face of the shop. “We want to interface much more with the community and use it as an opportunity to share [where we are headed] in terms of reducing waste. Eventually, we’re looking at reducing a lot of the staff by having an upcycling section where we start selling more upcycling stock,” Perry concluded.

Chairperson of the Johannesburg Children’s Home board Sipho Mdluli said thrift shop supports the home’s goal of becoming self-sustainable. “This is part of the bigger plan that down the line we want to be self-reliant, make our own money, and not rely on donations. The community can support by buying or donating staff.”

Details: Johannesburg Children’s Home thrift shop is located on 50 Grant Avenue, Norwood. Go to www.jch.org.za for more information.

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