Forest Farm Centre becomes a hidden haven for fashion lovers and bookworms

Forest Farm Centre in Bryanston is widely known as a caring home for people living with cerebral palsy, but step a little closer, and you’ll discover it offers far more than support and accommodation.

Located within its grounds are two shops that are fast becoming a favourite spot for those with an eye for fashion and a love of books. The centre’s general manager, Heather Dietrich, said they have two shops at the centre: A thrift shop, which has so many hidden gems, and a book shop, which offers books from variety categories. “We’ve had so many donations from people towards the home. Our first priority is to take things that we can use for the residents. What we had left we decided we would use in this thrift shop, and take the money that we make to put back into the home, so that it benefits our residents.”

Read more: The Forest Farms thrift store is officially open for business, and the residents couldn’t be happier

The thrift shop has become a treasure chest for fashion enthusiasts and bargain hunters alike. From stylish clothing and vintage pieces to furniture, appliances, and antiques, the shop offers a constantly changing selection at prices that are hard to beat. “We have so many hidden gems at prices that are unbelievable that you would never be able to find in a normal shop.

“Besides the thrift shop we also have a massive bookshop with around 5 000 books ranging from the price of R10 to R30, and they’re all packed in different categories. Whether you’re searching for a gripping novel, a nostalgic comic, or something new to explore, you are welcome to come and browse in the bookshop, so you can easily find a book that you’re interested in.”

Also read: Forest Farm Centre opening shop for Sandton thrifters

Dietrich added that, for residents, the bookshop is more than just a retail space; its part of daily life. They love to come down each day and pick a book, read it, and bring it back. One of the residents, Izelle van Aswegen, shared her experience. “I like reading books every afternoon or during the day. If I’m not doing anything, I read my books and all the old books that I have read, I bring them back to the book shop and take a new book.

“I just want to thank Forest Farm Centre for opening the shop because now we’ve got new books to read every day. We don’t have to worry about reading the same books over and over again, and they’re also selling the books, so please if you have a chance please come and support for us.”

@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Forest Farm Centre general manager Heather Dietrich invites fashion lovers and bookworms to explore the hidden thrift shop and book shop located inside the centre. Video: Xoliswa Zakwe #Sandton #Books ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

Another resident at the centre, Lorraine Venter, said she loves reading comics books. “I love to read my comics and its lots of fun because there’s lots of funny stories in the comics. Thank you, Forest Farm, for keeping this bookshop open for us residents. It keeps us very busy and we never stop coming here because it’s fun.”

Visitors to Forest Farm Centre are encouraged to do more than just browse. With outdoor seating available, guests can enjoy a cup of coffee while enjoying a welcoming environment and connecting with residents. “Our biggest problem at the moment is just that the shops are inside our home and not on the road so we don’t have a lot of exposure of people walking past, but we hope, now that people know about the shop, that they will come and join us,” Dietrich said. “Take a look around see if there’s any special gifts and hopefully the money that you’re going to spend is going to help to raise the standard of living of our residents. The shops are open on Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 16:00.”

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