Donations made to a local outreach organisation’s second-hand clothing drive will go to communities in need across South Africa.
Helping Hand’s #AnotherChance initiative, which launched at the beginning of May, is expected to continue into June, said Thomas Butler, executive director of Helping Hand.
“We are encouraging people to donate clothes that they don’t wear anymore and to take it to their nearest drop off points,” said Daniel Hugo, an organiser of the #AnotherChance initiative.
#AnotherChance initiative will continue into June, according to Thomas Butler, executive-director of Helping Hand. PHOTO: Facebook/Helping Hand
The clothing will be donated to Helping Hand’s various partners according to their need, said Butler. Some of Helping Hand’s partners include Durbanville Children’s Home and the Stellenbosch Night Shelter.
However, the communities that will receive the clothing donations are not limited to these partnerships, he said.
“We will start contacting our partners and see what their needs are, and then expand to broader communities to see what their needs might be,” said Butler.
According to Butler, once donors find their nearest drop off points, they should contact the volunteer manning the drop-off point. From there, donors and volunteers will arrange the most suitable time to drop off donations.
There are currently 10 drop-off points for donations, but the #AnotherChance team is trying to expand the drop-off points, said Butler.
“We are asking volunteers whether they are able to open up their homes or places of business,” he said.
Butler advised that donors should make sure that the lockdown and Covid-19 regulations allow for donors to make these drop-offs.
Donor Iza-Mari Gaybba drops off her clothing donation for Helping Hand’s initiative, #AnotherChance. PHOTO: Daniel Hugo
“Because we can’t speak for the whole country, we certainly advise that everyone see what their level is, and what that allows them in terms of donations for drop off,” he said.
Donors are also asked to wear their masks when delivering clothing donations, said Butler. Wearing gloves is also preferable, he said.
Difficult times call for a helping hand
An understanding of social responsibility has increased particularly in the current Covid-19 circumstances, said Hugo.
“There are a lot of people who are struggling, that others are now feeling a responsibility towards,” he said.
According to one donor, Iza-Mari Gaybba, the lockdown is difficult for everyone, but acknowledged that hard looks different to different people.
“Now, more than ever, I have realised how what most see as normal, is actually a privilege,” Gaybba said.
A small donation can make a big difference for someone in need, says Iza-Mari Gaybba, a #AnotherChance donor.
Even a word of encouragement can help someone during this time, Butler said.
“If everyone can help, even if you don’t think you can – every little bit helps,” he said.
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