“It felt like Christmas”, so explained Ryan Cloete as he dons a brand new and funky camouflage jacket.
Cloete, who lives at the Haven Night Shelter in Green Point, was one of hundreds of people living on the street who were treated to a dignified shopping experience at the annual Street Store, the world’s first rent-free, premises-free, free pop-up store for those living on the street.
The store returned to the Haven Night Shelter in Green Point on Saturday 12 April.
The initiative offers the needy a chance to be clothed with dignity – and at no cost.
It was founded in 2014 as a collaboration between a Cape Town ad agency, M&C Saatchi Abel, and the Haven Night Shelter.
Since inception, the store has clothed over a million people in 60 countries.
Saturday marked the 1101st Street Store and not even the rainy weather could keep clients away.
No less than 700 people got their first dignified shopping experience. Each person could choose three items, including a pair of shoes. They also received some toiletries.
Cloete explained that he now has something new to wear when he goes job hunting.
“I am chuffed, it felt like Christmas. I haven’t had any work attire to go for an interview and feel confident. And I was able to get something now. I got a nice jacket, it feels great. I am grateful to everyone for making this possible.”
Fellow client Abigail Mashonga said: “I got a nice warm scarf for winter to cover myself. I appreciate the warm pants and shoes.”
Mellisa Cupido got to experience the Street Store for the first time.
“It means a lot to be able to come and get some new clothes. Who is going to give you clothes for free? Sometimes we have to do desperate things to get stuff. I received a blanket, a warm jacket and some warm socks.”
Merlin Tromp, who has been living at the shelter for the past eight months, described the Street Store as a blessing.
“Just the other day, my friend came and took some of my clothes. This is a blessing for me. I found a permanent job and now I can wear some of these clothes to work.”
Mike Abel, the co-founder of the drive, said the initiative aims to give people who cannot afford to buy clothes a decent shopping experience.
“People are able to shop items that they like and need. Items that are in their size or in a colour that they like. When they leave here, they walk away with a wardrobe.”
He said they cater for men, women and children.
“When we receive donations, we separate them to check the quality so that there is no broken item. We then send it off to the laundry to be cleaned to ensure people from all ages can have a shopping experience.
“There are kids that come to the Street Store, and this is a great way for parents that are feeling the struggle to put some brand-new clothing on their kids’ back.”
Hunter Biden, son of the former United States of America (USA) president Joe Biden, was among the volunteers on the day.
“We decided that we wanted to do something to give back. They do amazing work. It feels amazing being here I look at all the people that are here.”
