The mannequins are clothed daily with the clothes donated for those who would like to buy the clothes for a worthy cause at reasonable prices. (Image: My Joburg)
If you are stuck with a cupboard full of clothes you don’t wear anymore, there’s a great way to get rid of them while doing a worthy cause.
Sandton City, the upmarket retail mall, and McCann Johannesburg, a brand development agency, have partnered again to bring the global charity initiative, The Empty Shop, to Johannesburg. It’s the second time the campaign is being held; in 2014, it collected over four tons of clothes.
CHARITY AND FASHION
From 28 October to 15 November, members of the public are encouraged to drop off clothes at the pop-up shop in Sandton City, where the clothes are styled on mannequins for the day before being removed for storage when the day is over.
This year, children’s educational toys and books have been added to the collection. On 14 and 15 November, selected items go on sale. People can buy the donated items that catch their eye, at affordable prices.
All proceeds, as well as the unsold items, will be donated to the Tomorrow Trust, a non-profit organisation that supports orphaned and vulnerable children throughout their educational journey. Through a holistic education that focuses on academic and life skills, the Tomorrow Trust empowers these youngsters to reach their full potential.
“The 2014 Empty Shop project was a phenomenal success and we are very excited to host the initiative for a second time, in partnership with McCann Johannesburg,” said Julie Hilary, the general manager of Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square.
“Through The Empty Shop, we are able to assist people we may never have reached. Last year The Empty Shop collected four tons of clothing, exceeding the 3.2 ton record set by Brazil, which was truly humbling for all involved. To date, more than R600 000 has been raised from the clothing sold at Hospice Wits stores.”
The shop concept was pioneered in 2013 at the Villalobos Mall, in São Paulo, Brazil. Other cities that have hosted The Empty Shop include Milan, Berlin, Austin, Manchester, Buenos Aires and Riga.
Situated in the Checkers Court in Sandton City, The Empty Shop will open and operate during Sandton City’s trading hours, from Monday to Saturday, from 9am to 8pm, and on Sunday from 9am to 6pm.
“The Empty Shop has demonstrated that everyone can play a role, no matter how small, in making a difference,” said Karabo Denalane, the managing director of McCann Johannesburg. “Our vision at McCann is to help brands play a meaningful role in people’s lives, and it’s projects like these that allow us to reach our goal and potential.”
