Bryanston’s Cheshire Chest has many treasures
A chest full of treasures galore awaits you to find in Bryanston; where all proceeds generated go to an incredible cause.
Thrifters in Sandton will have come across the Cheshire Chest, nestled within the Cramerview Village on Main Road in Bryanston, where a world of treasures can be found.
Lyndal Roman, who has been a member of the national Ann Harding Cheshire home community for two decades, said on October 4 that thrift stores presented a solution to special homes as they bring in much-needed additional funds.
Read more: The Forest Farms thrift store is officially open for business, and the residents couldn’t be happier
“Most of the homes are supported by the Department of Social Development but the government cannot provide nearly enough money to keep these homes sustained, so all of them have to do their fundraising,” said Roman.
A resident of Paulshof, Roman said she became inspired to launch a Cheshire Chest in Sandton after noting the success enjoyed by a Cheshire Chest charity shop at a centre in Gqeberha (PE), at least 20km from the actual home that’s been trading for 10 years.
Also read: Forest Farm Centre opening shop for Sandton thrifters
“The manager of that home realised that there’s no way she can open a Cheshire Chest charity shop on the grounds of that home in a gang and drug-related area of PE,” Roman shared. “She was bringing in R150 000 per month. I decided that what they can do in PE, we can do in Sandton. That’s why I opened this shop, and it has proved to be successful.”
Roman reflected on how the second-hand shop had also served as a venue for some stand-alone reunions since opening in 2022.
“There was a bowl that found its jug. One person brought in a bowl, and someone else brought in its [matching set] jug. This place has got a magnetism and personality all of its own.”
As much as people love thrift shops for the bargains they offer, Roman reflected on some of the store’s more urgent needs, particularly volunteers.
“I’m looking for somebody who has an interest in cameras and electronic equipment to help us assess whether the items donated have value or if they’re worth anything to anybody. We could use people like that.”
The proceeds of this Cheshire Chest shop go towards the Cheshire Home South African national office.
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Related article: Local youth brings thrift shopping to the Sandton community
