At Cape Costume Hire in Salt River, celebrating staff birthdays with a festive lunch has long been a beloved tradition. But this year, they’re swapping cake for kindness, choosing to make a real difference by donating clothing to vulnerable babies.
Jane Abrahams, general manager at the facility, says the company hires day-to-day clothing items to film, commercials and photographic industries.
The company was brought to life 20 years ago when two male designers who worked in the film industry saw the need for this service.
Abrahams explains that the company started from humble beginnings and was run from a church hall in Observatory. It then moved to a facility in Roeland Street.
Fast forward to today, it is one of the country’s largest wardrobe hiring houses.
“Our flexible facilities include various fitting and presentation areas, numerous stylist workrooms; well-equipped production spaces available to hire for film/commercial wardrobe departments,” explains Abrahams.
In the past, they would celebrate birthdays each month but this was later changed to a quarterly tradition. “It became too much so we decided to make it twice a year. The company would give the money, we would choose a theme and everyone would dress up and celebrate. This year we will use that money that we would’ve used to support a worthy cause.”
They will be handing over items to Hannah’s Place of Safety, a Mitchells Plain organisation caring for orphaned babies, on Thursday 3 July.
“When the children go to Hannah’s Place of Safety they go there with only the clothes on their back. We decided that we will buy baby clothes. We will also spend some time with the babies and relieve the staff for a few hours.”
Abrahams said they show gratitude and embrace those that are not able to celebrate due to life challenges.
“I said to the staff we are privileged; everything here is a celebration. We always celebrate with food and drinks, now we will spend our time on a worthy cause, something that you can add value to.”
