How Linden’s Chic Mamas nurtures communities

Have you heard about Chic Mamas Do Care Jozi? Based in Linden, this non-profit organisation sells pre-loved, high-quality clothing to assist charities/projects that are involved in early childhood development.

To find out more about the organisation, the Northcliff Melville Times spoke to manager Karen Harvey, who explained the organisation is passionate about children and education as well as recycling/upcycling. “Fortunately for our Jozi store, we did not have to reinvent the wheel. We modelled our store on the Cape Town branch, which has been running very successfully for many years.”

Its founder, Abigel Sheridan, is said to have an impeccable taste as well as very high standards to which they are able to aim big and create a high-quality chic platform for them to do what they do. Along with the branches found in Joburg and Cape Town, another can also be found in Durban with about 35 volunteers nationwide, nine of which are found in the store in Linden.

Harvey said what sets them apart is their brilliant quality clothing and brand names. “Our store is chic and stylish, not your average charity store at all, and all proceeds go toward our projects, apart from our expenses.”

They currently support two projects, Dayspring Children’s Village and The Cradle of Hope. They also had an initiative that ran for Youth Day where ladies were asked to donate bras and sanitary wear to be given to Kindness Like Confetti, who would then in turn bless less-fortunate girls. The next drive they are running is for Mandela Month and for this they are asking people to donate educational toys and books.

Through what they are doing, volunteers feel as though they are making a difference and giving back to society. “I know for myself, it’s the driving force of what I do,” said Harvey.

Her time with the organisation has aided her to see kindness first over criticism or judgment. She continued to say there are so many people out there wanting to do good and to make a difference, yet, they do not really know how or where to start. “It’s been a beautiful journey being involved in the gentleness of people’s hearts and creating a platform where we can all make a difference. On the flip side, I get to see and experience the utter desperation of people in need. The sadness and tragedy of children’s lives are not easy to swallow.”

Harvey has learned that if a person can do just one thing to help, it will surely make a difference to one person’s life and that’s amazing. “I feel immensely privileged to be involved with Chic Mamas and hugely grateful for how it grounds me and affects my consciousness.”

Chic Mamas’ main focus is to bring massive awareness of the need for early childhood development. “As far as our projects go, we believe with every month’s donation from Chic Mamas Jozi, organisations are able to be better equipped, to educate little people and make a huge difference in the foundation of children lives, emotionally, spiritually and educationally.”