Our brand new 041lifestyle columnist Amanda Klaas is a voice-over artist digital creator and owner of multimedia creative hub, Yellow Orchid Media. She specialises in photography, videography as well as commercial and corporate voiceovers. Over the last few years, she’s has worked with some leading brands in the lifestyle and travel field and will be sharing her knowledge of NMB with us.
CHARITY shops, more commonly known as ‘thrift stores’, have become somewhat of a global phenomenon.Â
These sustainable sanctuaries have crept into the hearts of many fashion fundis and frugal families. Although similar in nature, there is a clear distinction between charity shops and thrift / second hand stores.
Most charity shops, if not all, exist to fund the carefully considered charitable foundations and initiatives that they support. Relying heavily on community donations, the proceeds from sales go directly to causes such as animal welfare, environmental conservation, elderly or healthcare facilities, poverty alleviation and more.
As an avid ‘thrifter’ and former charity shop volunteer myself, every visit made me realise that this phenomenon is more than just about shopping and stuff. Charity shops can often be seen as the heartbeat of the communities they exist in.
I know from my volunteer days, there were so many magical moments to behold. Regulars form part of the DNA that make the shop what it is.
Items are not just hand me downs, but a treasure to those who value them. Vintage is a lifestyle, not a trend. A place where strangers become friends over a shared keenness for beautiful bric-a-brac or lovely literature.
These shops allow people, who otherwise wouldn’t be able to, access to affordable essential goods for their homes.
Making a conscious effort to actively engage with the community, these shops are beacons of hope for those who benefit from their affordability and those who are passionate about positively contributing to society through volunteerism or donations.
Here’s a list of some of the charity shops I’ve visited in Gqeberha:
ANNAPANNA Charity Shop (Walmer)
Supports Wy Mar Lea Place (special home for the elderly)
Address:
Unit 2, 5th Avenue Centre 5th Avenue, Heugh Rd, Walmer, Gqeberha, 6065 Trading Hours:
Weekdays | 09h00 – 17h30
Saturdays | 09h00 – 13h00
Sundays | Closed
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550061095398
Cleary Cheshire Home Charity Shop (Walmer)
Supports the Cleary Estate Cheshire Home
Address:
Bloomingdales Centre, Main Road, Walmer, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Trading Hours:
Weekdays | 08h00 – 16h00
Saturdays | 08h30 – 13h00
Sundays | Closed
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/clearycharityshop/
Wagtails (Walmer)
Supports the Port Elizabeth Animal Welfare Society
Address:
128 Albert Road, Walmer, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Trading Hours:
Weekdays | 09h00 – 16h00
Saturdays | 09h00 – 12h00
Sundays | Closed
Website: https://awspe.co.za/pages/wagtails-charity-shops
The Bargain Box (Walmer)Â
Supports the Animal Anti-Cruelty League
Address:
125 Main Road, Walmer, Port Elizabeth, South Africa (9th Avenue Centre) Trading Hours:
Weekdays | 09h00 – 15h45
Saturdays | 09h00 – 11h45
Sundays | Closed
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Bargain-Box-100081050421843/
Ons Winkel (Walmer)
Supports Solidariteit Helpende Hand
Address:
14 6th Avenue, Walmer, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Trading Hours:
Weekdays | 09h00 – 17h00
Saturdays | 09h00 – 13h00
Sundays | Closed
Website: https://helpendehand.co.za/ons-winkel/
St Francis Hospice Shoppe (Newton Park)
Address:
Shop 63 4th Avenue Newton Park, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Trading Hours:
Weekdays | 09h00 – 16h30
Saturdays | 09h00 – 13h00
Sundays | Closed
Website: https://hospice-pe.co.za/shop/
Aurora Charity Shop (Richmond Hill / Central)
Supports the Aurora Special Care Centre
Address:
51 Westbourne Road, Port Elizabeth, South Africa Trading Hours:
Weekdays | 10h00 – 16h00
Saturdays | 09h00 – 13h00
Sundays | Closed
Website: https://aurorasa.co.za/donations/
Nazareth House Charity Shop (Central)
Supports Nazareth House
Address:
Upper Dickens Street, Central, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Trading Hours:
Weekdays | 09h30 – 15h00
Weekends | Closed
Website: https://nazarethcare.co.za/nazareth-house-port-elizabeth/
I’ve likely missed out a few, so feel free to share some of your favourite charity shops and any memorable moments they hold in your heart in the comments.
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