On Tuesday, about 500 people living on the street got new and pre-loved clothing items thanks to a free pop-up clothing store.
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The event marked the tenth anniversary of the initiative and the 1 009th Street Store, held at the Haven Night Shelter in Green Point. It is known as the first rent-free, premises-free and free pop-up clothing store of its kind in the world.
Cape Town ad agency M&C Saatchi Abel and the Haven Night Shelter founded it in 2014.
‘Each person had the opportunity to take about three items and, if they had children, they could take for them as well. Whatever clothes we have left we distribute to charities around Cape Town,’ says Mike Abel, co-founder of the initiative.
This year, Superbalist.com and Takealot donated clothing to the cause. More than 1 000 Street Stores have taken place in over 60 countries to date, supporting more than one million people.
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Akeefah Anderson told News24 that it was her first time at the Street Store.
‘It’s not every day that we get the opportunity to get things like this, it makes me happy to at least own some new things. It makes me feel special, not neglected and it is good to know there [are] people taking care of us,’ she said, adding that she will wear her new outfit to her sister’s 21st birthday.
‘It is winter. We are hustling out here in the street and it is hard for us to get clothes,’ said Washiema Abrahams.
‘Many times we don’t know where to go and wash our clothes. Now I at least have something to wear,’ says Suzette van Vuuren, adding that she hoped her new outfit would help her land a job.
‘I got a nice jersey, a pair of shoes that match my jersey and a [pair of] pants. I am going to a place to look for work, now I can at least wear something clean, hopefully then I will get the job.’
Those looking to host their own Street Store or to find out more about getting involved can do so via www.thestreetstore.org.
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Picture: The Street Store / Facebook
