Giving back dignity to those less fortunate

Grace Church Ballito members recently travelled to the heart of the Durban CBD to give dignity to those often ignored, at the annual Street Store.

Four Grace Church campuses joined forces with about 200 volunteers at the Denis Hurley Centre to collect second-hand clothes which were handed out to over 1000 people who usually do not have the luxury of a shopping spree.

Grace Church Ballito member Alain Berichon said it was quite horrific to see how destitute people were.

“We arrived at 6.30am and there was already a queue that was probably two kilometres long of people waiting for the Street Store to open. I was told many started queuing at 4.30am already,” said Berichon.

“It was quite shocking to see so many people desperate for warm clothing and food. I would say 60 to 70 percent of the people coming to the store were men and the most sought after items were shoes. Unfortunately we did not have enough clothing for everyone.”

Besides being given clothes, volunteers also offered haircuts, manicures, foot washing and gave everyone a warm breyani. Advice was also given by the AA, UKZN Street Law and St John Ambulance to those who had questions or needed help.

Berichon said it was amazing to see the transformation that people went through at the Street Store.

“It was heartwarming to see people leave feeling and looking better and thanks to the well-controlled and organised day we managed to help 1014 people.”

If you missed out on being part of the Street Store, make sure to get involved in the national Winterhoop campaign that runs throughout June and encourages people to give hope to the poor this winter.

For more information visit winterhoop.org or send a mail to winterhoop@denishurleycentre.org

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