By Mango OMC
The familiar ‘hospice charity shops’ have been in existence for decades, long before thrifting became a popular choice for environmental as well as price reasons. These stores are sophisticated, well-stocked and importantly, contribute to the provision of palliative care services.
According to EWASA[1], ‘Today, the second-hand clothing sector in South Africa is worth nearly R10 billion, with thrift stores and charity shops popping up in every city.’ They list stores throughout the country – along with a few popular thrifting apps, including ‘Hospice Shops’.
The Association of Palliative Care Centres (APCC) has over 90 members nationally, many of which refer to themselves as hospices. As non-profit organisations, with limited government support, they fundraise to cover running costs and provide palliative care services, with many of them having branched out into retail by opening stores to complement their fundraising activities.
“A source of sustainable income for the hospice is the foundation of the stores,” says Robbie Slabbert, H.O.D for Highway Hospice. “Charity-based retail works with a different bottom line to normal retail outlets. We cover our running expenses and then donate the balance of Income that we make to the hospice which goes towards providing palliative care services. It does put a different light on what we do. We know that every item purchased goes into an expense pot that ultimately provides specialised and holistic services to anyone diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.”
Palliative care extends to loved ones, and into bereavement, and is the one form of healthcare that every single human being will ultimately need – whether for ourselves or due to someone that we love requiring it. APCC members provide palliative care services to both patients who have private healthcare support as well as those who do not.
“In the case of the latter, the cost is borne by our member organization,” says Dr Ewa Skowronska, CEO of the APCC. “Anyone receiving a life-threatening diagnosis should have access to the care and support required to navigate their journey – whether that be curative or end-of-life. The stores provide much-needed income to assist members in covering expenses from infection control to fuel, vehicles, provisions, medications, surgical supplies, and more.”
“Our two shops are popular shopping destinations,” says Priscilla Brown of Breede River Hospice. “We are fortunate to be located in a region where many tourists pass through and get to pop in for a book to read while on holiday or a fresh set of clothing or maybe even just looking for a little gift to take back home. Our mission is to provide a budget shopping experience at both our shops whilst providing quality second-hand goods. We came up with the slogan, “2ndhand goods for 1st class care/ 2de handse items vir 1ste klas sorg” in January 2019.”
“I studied charity shop retail in the United Kingdom,” says Robbie. “Oxfam is a great example of how endemic the thrift shop philosophy is in the UK. In South Africa, we are moving towards considering how wasteful it is to constantly buy fast fashion, or new furniture when there are stores such as hospice thrift shops that provide access to excellent quality secondhand goods.
Our most popular items are ladieswear, books, kitchenware and furniture. We have noted a shift towards consumers becoming more environmentally conscience as well as getting a great deal with the available budget in hand. When donating or shopping one becomes more than a customer or donor, but part of the Hospice Thrift Shop Family.”
“With all our members constantly working to improve their individual APCC accreditation level against the Standards for Palliative Healthcare Services,” says Skowronska, “they are ensuring the provision of the highest possible standard of palliative care. In 2023, from data recorded by 54 members, 1,529 million interventions took place - 64% clinical, 17% psychological, 16% social and 3% spiritual. Each time you purchase an item from a member-owned store, you assist in providing this critical care.”
World Hospice Palliative Care Day (WHPCD) takes place on 12th October 2024, marking the 20th anniversary of WHPCD. In support of this year’s WHPCD, and the ongoing provision of palliative care services to all who need it, we encourage members of the public to consider ‘second-hand goods for first-class care’ when next needing to make a purchase.
For a list of member-owned thrift stores, visit: https://apcc.org.za/the-thrift-shop-collective/
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