Homeless shop until they drop

"“The store was developed for those less fortunate to have a shopping experience without paying a cent. The initiative was teamed up with Hotdogs for the Homeless South Africa,” said Tracey Simpson, one of the volunteers on the day. The store is a one-day-only pop-up store that is organised by average citizens or companies and is aimed specifically at homeless people who need a new set of clothes. The clothes are hung up and displayed on pallets and the shoppers get to choose what items they prefer in a size that will fit. Clothing and other items are donated by numerous people and companies. This initiative started in Cape Town in January last year by Maximilian Pazak and Kayli Vee Levitan, with the support of agency, M&C Saatchi Abel. The store was founded in partnership with their client, Haven Night Shelter, and has generated over R41 million for the organisation despite only starting with a budget of R5 000. Pazak and Levitan decided they would make it an open-source idea as homelessness is not a problem restricted only to South Africa. “Over 555 people were clothed and fed on the day with the help of volunteers. Nu Era donated blankets so each person could walk away with a little something extra, and boxes of toothpastes were handed out to each person,” said Simpson. Hotdogs For The Homeless SA also hand out hotdogs to the homeless on a monthly basis, driving through Randburg along Beyers Naude through Cresta, through Melville pass the universities, then to Rosebank and then walking around Johannesburg CBD. “It costs them just R3 to make and deliver a hotdog. Hotdogs For The Homeless SA can be found on Facebook,” said Simpson. Details: thestreetstore.org" Check the article out here: https://fourwaysreview.co.za/196092/the-homeless-shop-untill-they-drop/