THE Hillcrest Aids Centre Trust (HACT) is inviting the community to a shopping fest on March 28 from 10:00 to 19:00 at their newly launched thrift store. Aimed at supporting the organisation’s hospice and palliative care, iThemba’s Closet offers gently used clothing for men, women, teens and children.

Also read: Thrifting community on a steady growth

HACT’s marketing officer Nokulunga Shozi said the store operated by a dedicated team of volunteers has quickly become a happy shop, bringing new visitors to HACT.
“Each purchase directly contributes to the care of patients in HACT’s Palliative Care & Hospice Unit, providing comfort and care to those facing life-limiting illnesses including late-stage cancer and Aids.

“The store’s success has highlighted the need for a larger, permanent location to accommodate its growing operations. Plans are underway to secure a more spacious venue, ensuring iThemba’s Closet can continue to serve the community effectively. In the meantime, the store operates from HACT’s training room, offering a welcoming space for shoppers to find hidden treasures while supporting a noble cause. The Closet also compliments the White Elephant and Haberdashery shops already on site,” she said.

Shozi added that HACT would like to open the Closet more regularly as community members often arrive looking for cost-effective clothing, but the Closet only receives enough clothing for once-a-month sales.

“Therefore, community members are encouraged to donate clothing and volunteer their time to support iThemba’s Closet. With the extreme cuts to global HIV and Aids funding, these contributions are vital to HACT’s ongoing services and vision of healthy, empowered and Aids-free communities,” she said.

Also read: Find hidden gems at SPCA’s new thrift shop

The community is invited to attend the Friday Late-Shopping event where HACT’s plant nursery, Ubuntu Ground Café and Woza Moya shops will also be open. There will be an exhibition featuring the work of talented local art interns.

For more information on how to get involved or to shop for a cause, visit HACT’s website or follow their social media channels for updates on store hours and upcoming events.

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