- The Matric Thrift Shop, an initiative started in Kuils River, aims to make matric balls affordable for learners in Mitchells Plain and Athlone by offering formal outfits for only R10.
- This community event allows matriculants to choose from a variety of dresses, suits, and shoes, ensuring they can attend their special night without financial burden.
- Donations of formal attire and accessories are continuously accepted to support this cause.
Matric balls, for many learners, are the highlight of their schooling, the perfect round-off of a 12-year journey. But for many the reality of being a prince or princess for one night is so elusive, too far out of reach.
Cost is the main factor in this, but an initiative in Mitchells Plain and Athlone aims to address this problem and make the wishes of many matrics come true. It will see them kitted out to the nines for a mere R10.
Kelly van Wyk, one of the organisers, said what began as a youth-outreach initiative, giving something good back, has become a community event, a travelling thrift store aimed specifically at matriculants.
“It emanated from a youth-group initiative in Kuils River, where such an outreach was discussed and the idea of serving one’s peers was the motivation,” she related.
World-class experience
“It’s open to all, and only the matrics can choose their outfits. Parents aren’t allowed to come alone; the idea is for the ordinary matric student to have a world-class shopping experience for only R10. Only they can choose their outfit. All we ask of them is to bring their ID and only one outfit is allowed per person.”
At the Matric Shrift Shop, there are around 100 formal dresses, 50 pairs of shoes, and around 30 suits with shirts and ties collected to date, with a call made for more donations of formal shoes and clothing.
Van Wyk said.
The Athlone Matric Thrift will be held at 335B Lower Klipfontein Road, Silvertown from 12:00 to 14:00. Entry is R10.
The initiative is continued under the God is Kodesh brand.
Donations of clothing, jewellery and accessories are accepted all year round.
To donate, contact Kelly van Wyk in Mitchell’s Plain on 061 461 3233, Kelly Morkel in the Northern Suburbs on 066 219 6763 or Bianca in Athlone on 073 526 3340.
