Johannesburg - In Cape Town, M&C Saatchi Abel opened the first Street Store in January 2014 — a rent- and space-free pop-up store that provided homeless people with a respectable, cost-free shopping experience.
Since then, the “Force for Good” programme from M&C Saatchi Group South Africa has expanded beyond South African boundaries and has opened in more than 210 locations worldwide.
The not-for-profit project, which is totally open-source and adaptable anywhere in the world, is thought to have benefited over a million people worldwide.
The Street Store will have its 1 000th event this year on December 10 at the Haven Night Shelter in Cape Town and the Salvation Army in Johannesburg.
“Homelessness is a universal issue, and the Street Store concept was made with this in mind. We understood that there was a significant problem inside our own country, but we also wanted to make it possible for people outside of South Africa to make a difference in their own country as well,” says Mike Abel, executive chairperson of M&C Saatchi Group South Africa.
As of the fourth quarter of 2022, 32.7% of South Africans were unemployed, according to the most recent Statistics South Africa data. In light of the circumstances in South Africa right now, Abel thinks it’s critical to provide those who can’t sufficiently support themselves with some level of empowerment.
“The Street Store is an opportunity for the people of South Africa to give back, in whichever capacity they can, to people who are in need. We’re asking people to either give what they can or give some of their time to people who really need it,” Abel adds.
Contributing to The Street Store also has a sustainability component because it prevents usable clothing from being thrown out. Every year, large quantities of unwanted clothing find their way to landfills. The Street Store was created to aid in the fight against this kind of trash through its approach to fair trade and sustainability.
“Collectively, we can continue to make a meaningful and tangible difference to people in South Africa and around the world. This milestone is a reflection of people’s willingness to do good,” says Abel. “We are calling on anyone around the world who wants to make a meaningful change in their communities to continue utilising this platform for good.”
At the offices of M&C Saatchi Group South Africa in Johannesburg and Cape Town, collection locations are available for donations of clean clothing, shoes, and accessories. For the 1 000th Street Shop, the group also invites volunteering on this Human Rights Day at the Haven Night Shelter or the Salvation Army.
The Star