Charity Shop Archives - Good Things Guy https://www.goodthingsguy.com/tag/charity-shop/ Wed, 01 Apr 2026 11:39:20 +0000 en-ZA hourly 1 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/cropped-gtg_favicon-32x32.png Charity Shop Archives - Good Things Guy https://www.goodthingsguy.com/tag/charity-shop/ 32 32 Local Initiative Sells Affordable Donated Goods to Support Communities https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/osaok-charity-shop-doanted-goods/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/osaok-charity-shop-doanted-goods/#respond Wed, 01 Apr 2026 13:30:19 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=182552

One Small Act of Kindness is turning everyday items into meaningful support, ensuring donated goods and essentials reach those who need them most.   Johannesburg, South Africa (01 April 2026)...

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One Small Act of Kindness is turning everyday items into meaningful support, ensuring donated goods and essentials reach those who need them most.

 

Johannesburg, South Africa (01 April 2026) – Behind every donation is a story, and for a community-driven initiative by One Small Act of Kindness, every single item that comes through the door is treated with care.

At their charity shop, it’s all about making sure they reach the people who need them most and doing it in a way that restores dignity along the way.

When donations arrive, the process starts. Items are sorted thoughtfully, with priority given to families and charities already receiving direct support. And what remains doesn’t go to waste. Instead, it finds its way into a charity store designed to serve the wider community.

And this isn’t your typical store. Prices are intentionally kept low, with most items ranging between just a few rand, and larger goods still staying affordable. The goal is to make everyday essentials accessible to people who might otherwise go without.

This approach stands out because of the thinking behind it. Rather than simply giving everything away, there’s a belief that even a small contribution can make a big difference. When people pay something (even if it’s minimal) there’s a sense of pride and value attached to what they receive.

The impact doesn’t stop there. Every two weeks, the initiative partners with smaller, often overlooked organisations. The ones doing meaningful work quietly, without the spotlight. These groups are invited to collect goods and distribute them within their own communities, extending the reach far beyond one location.

There’s also a strong sense of urgency. Items aren’t stored away for months. They move quickly because the need is immediate. For many, these aren’t just second-hand goods, but essentials that make a real difference in daily life.

At its core, it’s about people helping people and creating a system where generosity its purpose.

And for those looking to give back, the door is always open. Donations can be dropped off at 24 Darnoc Avenue in Bordeaux, Johannesburg.


Sources: One Small Act of Kindness 
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Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

 

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Randburg SPCA’s Linden Charity Shop Has Moved… https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/linden-charity-shop-expands/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/linden-charity-shop-expands/#respond Tue, 03 Mar 2026 07:00:48 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=179098

The little shop that could has expanded, with more space for treasures!   Johannesburg, South Africa (03 March 2026) – Same address, more space for gems! After celebrating its first...

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The little shop that could has expanded, with more space for treasures!

 

Johannesburg, South Africa (03 March 2026) – Same address, more space for gems! After celebrating its first birthday, the Randburg SPCA’s Linden charity shop has upsized, moving right next door into a bigger, more spacious home.

“We are still at 33 5th Street but in a bigger, more spacious store. Only made possible by this amazing community’s support! Please help us help those without a voice!” shared the Randburg SPCA.

Every rand spent in the shop goes directly towards fighting animal cruelty and supporting animals in underprivileged areas – which means your R50 find could mean the world to a creature who has no voice of their own.

Thrifting is a smart way to shop, and more people are waking up to that. Buying second-hand slows the cycle of consumerism, feels a lot like treasure hunting, and is friendly on your pockets. With organisations like the SPCA that run charity shops to keep the doors open for others, you’ll know that every rand is going where it makes a difference.

The Randburg SPCA’s expanded space in Linden opens up more space for donated goods, more variety, and more chances to find something to add to your home collection. The shop sells and accepts a mix of clothing, homeware, furniture, kitchen bits, books, bric-a-brac, and other gems.

You’ll find the new shop (same street, bigger digs!) at 33 5th Street, Linden. Open Monday to Friday, 8:00-16:30, and Saturdays 9:00-3:00.

The Linden charity store is one of the SPCA’s two shops – the other shop is based on the organisation’s premises in Northumberland.


Sources: Linked above.
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Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

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Kindness Paved the Way to Kenton’s Only Charity Store https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/kindness-denton-on-sea-charity-shop/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/kindness-denton-on-sea-charity-shop/#respond Mon, 02 Feb 2026 11:00:31 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=176025

Every sale helps someone in need. Every hour volunteered proves that Kenton’s community runs on kindness.   Eastern Cape, South Africa (02 February 2026) – Kenton-on-Sea’s only charity shop started...

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Every sale helps someone in need. Every hour volunteered proves that Kenton’s community runs on kindness.

 

Eastern Cape, South Africa (02 February 2026) – Kenton-on-Sea’s only charity shop started in a garage six years ago.

Robbie Cameron Avis from Coastal Kindness already knew that the need in the community was vast. Long before Covid-19 ever made an appearance. When the pandemic landed, it brought an entirely new storm that everyone – even the most vulnerable – suddenly had to weather.

One of the greatest needs – beyond food and shelter – became warmth. It was the dead of winter; people had to brave the cold with what they had on their back.

“We started collecting used clothing just after the pandemic hit South Africa. It was all very scary, not knowing what was going to happen and how we were going to live our lives. Easier for some than others.” says Robbie. “When the cold seeps into your bones, when the clothes on your back get dirty and wet. When there is no knowing where or when the next meal will come from…surely, we should – could – do something to lessen the impact of the pandemic on those with little or nothing.”

A call went out to the community. Hope showed up in donated piles of sweaters, trousers, dresses, shoes and blankets that landed in Robbie’s garage. At a time when the risk of disease was high, people still pitched up. Masks on and sanitiser in hand, volunteers worked through every donation.

“They sorted, folded, sized, washed, paired and mended and darned if necessary. Then packaged into size compatible outfits for men, women and children.”

Each package was distributed, with a few odds and ends left behind by the end of it. Those items became the start of Kenton’s only charity store!

“What was predominantly left in the garage was…evening shoes, evening dresses, swimming costumes, jewellery and other stuff unsuitable for the rigors of winter but very suitable to start a POSH Charity Shop. And so, we did.”

Now, six years later, the shop (on 1 School Road, next to the padel courts) has made a difference in hundreds of lives. It’s all thanks to an exceptionally kind network of almost 30 volunteers as well as community donations that fill shelves with pre-loved clothing, bedding, towels, kitchenware, and other home items.

The best thing? The income generated from sales go toward charity.

“The income from the shop – barring only a few expenses and overheads – enables us to make monthly donations to several local charities. Siya Soup – an outstanding community feeding scheme. Child Welfare – with only one Social Worker and a team of volunteers, they make a huge difference to children and families in need. Domestic Animal Care – whose focus is on educating animal owners in best practices as well as spaying stray and neglected cats and dogs. Coastal Kindness – a NPC whose mission is to identify and fill the gaps between state and private health and wellness services. More recently we have started supporting Nkwenkwezi Creche, where we assist with a monthly donation for lunches for the little ones and have also been able to supply camp cots, sheets, nappies and formula.” says Robbie.

She adds that her pride lies in how the shop has evolved.

“It’s a place of safety for people to pop in and chat. A wonderland of clothes and goods that need a new home. A shop accessible to everyone in the community. A hub of activity for the volunteers whose lives have been enhanced, not only by giving back but also by meeting new people from all walks of life.”

POSH Charity Shop – and every helper who keeps it going – has celebrated many wins in its six years. Beyond serving the needy on multiple fronts, it has created a community of kindness. Each year, the shop hosts its own ‘Oscars’ to honour those who have generously stepped in to make a difference.

“Several of the garage volunteers still work in the shop today. That’s a long haul and that’s why we give out Oscars once a year to honour the work of these dedicated ladies.”

And that’s how a community makes it happen!


Sources: GTG Interview. 
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Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

 

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Massive Thrifting Sale in Cape Town and It’s for a Good Cause! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/tears-cape-town-thrifting-sale/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/tears-cape-town-thrifting-sale/#respond Wed, 28 Jan 2026 10:30:09 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=175515

Best news for Cape Town’s thrifting enthusiasts – TEARS Animal Rescue thrift stores are running a major sale right now, and your purchase could help animals in need. Run, don’t...

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Best news for Cape Town’s thrifting enthusiasts – TEARS Animal Rescue thrift stores are running a major sale right now, and your purchase could help animals in need. Run, don’t walk!

 

Cape Town, South Africa (28 January 2026) – When you thrift instead of buying new, you’re not only finding unique gems, you’re doing good things – you’re saving the planet, and oftentimes, supporting a good cause!

TEARS Animal Rescue runs four thrift shops across the Mother City, and they’re some of the best around. Currently, they’re running a 50% sale from the 29th of January, which means you can snag gems – books, clothes, games, crockery, furniture, appliances, etc – for great prices.

These thrift stores – in Retreat, Fish Hoek, Sunnydale and Valyland – make up a large portion of the funds TEARS needs to rescue, treat, rehabilitate and rehome homeless, sick, abused and injured dogs and cats, as the community organisation has been doing for more than 26 years.

The sale starts on the 29th of January and runs until 1 February. All the TEARS stores will be open for the duration of the sale, but the Valyland store is closed on Sundays, so it won’t be open on 1 February.

“People are always surprised and delighted by the fantastic, quality items we sell in our thrift stores at exceptionally good prices. You are guaranteed to find some excellent bargains at this sale. It is also a wonderful way to support us, as all the funds raised go to TEARS Animal Rescue.” shares Tinka Shapiro, spokesperson for TEARS Animal Rescue.


Sources: Supplied
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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

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Howick’s Heroes Launch a New Thrift Store for a Good Cause https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/howicks-heroes-new-thrift/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/howicks-heroes-new-thrift/#respond Tue, 09 Sep 2025 07:30:04 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=161525

Love Howick has done it again! By thrifting here, the community will directly support someone who needs it most.   Howick, South Africa (09 September 2025) – In Howick, a...

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Love Howick has done it again! By thrifting here, the community will directly support someone who needs it most.

 

Howick, South Africa (09 September 2025) – In Howick, a new thrift shop has opened its doors. The team behind it has been at the heart of delivering hope in the little town for more than a decade.

Love Howick is a community-driven initiative all about creating positive change. Through collaboration, they aim to inspire, grow and improve the lives of people in the Umngeni region. They’ve done incredible work. The stats prove it. 

Through collaboration with other organisations, they’ve empowered over 2000 students in literacy, coding, entrepreneurship, environmental studies, and leadership. They’ve launched waste bikes to boost efficiency in
recycling projects. They’ve transformed illegal dumping sites into vibrant parks and urban vegetable gardens.
They’ve supported 100+ training program graduates in securing employment, and they’ve mentored 400+ small-scale farmers to tackle food security and unemployment.

They’ve also supported families in need through their Street Store, a ‘swap shop’ that allows families to turn in recycling for tokens to spend on essentials.

The list of good things Love Howick does is extensive and this month, they’ve added another new branch of hope to their organisation.

The new thrift store is the latest extension of their care. Every purchase made here helps fund food parcels and training programmes for the unemployed. In other words, thrifting here turns directly into support for someone else.

There are loads of bargains for shoppers to pick up anything from homeware, toys, clothing, shoes and accessories. Over the weekend, the store marked its opening with a market where everything was on sale for only R20!

If you’d like to pop in for a visit, the thrift store is based at 19 Morling Street and it’s open on weekdays from 9am to 2pm.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Love Howick (@lovehowick)


Sources: Linked above
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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Vega Students Give Sandton SPCA Charity Shop a New Mural https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/vega-students-scpa-sandton-mural/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/vega-students-scpa-sandton-mural/#respond Thu, 28 Aug 2025 08:00:29 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=160274

Art makes an even greater impact when it’s made for a good cause!   Sandton, Johannesburg (28 August 2025) – Students from Vega School recently came together to brighten up...

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Art makes an even greater impact when it’s made for a good cause!

 

Sandton, Johannesburg (28 August 2025) – Students from Vega School recently came together to brighten up the Sandton SPCA Charity Shop with a brand new mural, adding character to the walls and more joy to a space that makes a difference every day.

The mural, aptly named ‘Vega Cares 2025’, features geometric designs of cats, dogs and birds, honouring the animals that the SPCA works so tirelessly to protect.

It brings to life the connection between creativity and compassion, showing that when art is created for a good cause, its impact stretches even further.

After the students had worked their magic, the charity shop shared their gratitude in a message:

“Our charity shop mural is complete!! Thank you to the students and faculty of Vega School for showing how much you care in such a colourful and creative way!”

The charity shop, alongside Sandton SPCA’s Book Nook, plays a vital role in raising funds to keep the doors open and the animals safe.

Since opening in 2017, these humble spaces have helped raise nearly R7 million to support the Sandton SPCA’s lifesaving work. That’s R7 million in second-hand goodies turned into full bowls, warm beds, critical veterinary care, and second chances.

Charity shops like this one do more than help the cause, they invite the community in.

Every item donated, every book purchased, and now every mural painted becomes a small act of kindness that adds to a much bigger story of animal welfare.

If you’re in the area and would like to pop in, browse the shelves or admire the new mural, the Sandton SPCA Charity Shop can be found at Morning Glen Mall.

You might walk out with a bargain and the knowledge that your rands have reached a paw in need.


Sources: Linked above.
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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Randburg SPCA’s Linden Charity Shop Turns One https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/randburg-spcas-linden-charity-shop-turns-one/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/randburg-spcas-linden-charity-shop-turns-one/#respond Fri, 08 Aug 2025 13:00:16 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=158281

The small second-hand shop, which celebrated its first birthday this week, is raising vital funds and more hope for animals who really need it.   Linden, Johannesburg (08 August 2025)...

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The small second-hand shop, which celebrated its first birthday this week, is raising vital funds and more hope for animals who really need it.

 

Linden, Johannesburg (08 August 2025) – A year ago, the Randburg SPCA opened the doors to its second charity shop in Linden, and what a year it’s been!

The little shop on 5th Street officially turned one this week and took to Facebook to thank its loyal supporters:

“Our little Linden shop is celebrating a year of being open. Thank you to everyone for your support this past year. We won’t be able to do it without you.”

What started as an exciting extension of the Randburg SPCA’s fundraising efforts has grown into a charming little treasure trove that helps fund the rescue, treatment, and rehoming of animals in need in Randburg. And there are many of them.

From homeware to pre-loved clothing and surprise gems, the Linden shop has become a local ‘lucky packet’ and it’s all for a good cause.

When you support them, you’re not just raising funds for animals who need it (and the ripple effects of that are big), it gives gently used goods a second life (points for not feeding the consumerism machine, a habit we all have) and offers affordable options for goodies you might have always wanted!

You never know what you’ll find, that’s why we call it a lucky packet.

If you’re spring cleaning or decluttering, the shop welcomes donations of gently used items. It could be clothing, homeware, books, kitchen bits, and bric-a-brac. Every donation helps them keep the shelves stocked and supports their work, and it’s such an easy way of making a difference that Marie Kondo would be proud of.

If you do decide to donate, though, do so knowing that what you’re donating has a chance for a second life. Items should be clean and in good condition, as they aren’t able to accept damaged or broken things. Keep it lekker.

Open Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 4:30 and on Saturdays from 9:00 to 3:00, you’ll find the shop at 33 5th Street, Linden.

And if you’ve already popped in over the past year, thank you. You’re part of the reason this little shop has made it to one. Here’s to many more birthdays, more unexpected treasures, and more second chances – for people, pets, and pre-loved goodies.


Sources: Linked above. 
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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

 

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Somerset West’s Thrift & Thrive is Changing Lives, One Outfit at a Time https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/somerset-wests-thrift-thrive-changing-lives/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/somerset-wests-thrift-thrive-changing-lives/#respond Wed, 09 Jul 2025 06:00:04 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=155431

A new thrift shop in Somerset West is doing more than offering great finds. Thrift & Thrive is empowering women through retail training, dignity, and hope.   Somerset West, South...

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A new thrift shop in Somerset West is doing more than offering great finds. Thrift & Thrive is empowering women through retail training, dignity, and hope.

 

Somerset West, South Africa (09 July 2025) – In Somerset West, a brand-new thrift shop called Thrift & Thrive is doing exactly that. While its rails are stocked with pre-loved fashion, what makes this space truly special is what happens behind the scenes: it’s a retail training centre helping women build brighter futures, one sale at a time.

The idea is simple but powerful. Every six weeks, Thrift & Thrive takes in two women, referred to as beneficiaries, and trains them in the nuts and bolts of retail. From customer service to sales, sorting stock and handling tills, it’s a crash course in empowerment designed to help women move confidently into formal employment. And while they’re learning, they’re earning too, receiving a daily stipend that’s well above minimum wage.

“Many of these incredible women haven’t had the best of luck in life,” the team shared. “We want this to be a turning point for them.”

The model is built on more than charity; it’s built on dignity. The space doesn’t just provide work experience, it offers hope, mentorship, and a reminder that growth can happen in the most unexpected places… even a little thrift shop. Powered by the Empathologist Foundation and Khethani Women’s Wellness, the goal is simply to uplift women who have faced too much hardship in their lives.

Not only are women given a chance to empower themselves, but in terms of retail therapy, they can shop for clothing for themselves or their children through the voucher system, too. This is just another way of helping women land back on their feet.

For public shoppers, it’s a win-win. You can find a great outfit or something special for your home, knowing your money is going directly towards helping someone thrive. It’s guilt-free shopping in the best way possible.

Thrift & Thrive joins the growing network of purpose-driven second-hand stores across South Africa that are rewriting the story of retail. These spaces give people an affordable, ethical alternative to fast fashion, and now, thanks to projects like this one, they’re also giving women the tools to rebuild their lives.

If you’re in the Somerset West area, consider popping in, not just to browse the racks, but to support a movement that proves fashion can be about more than what you wear. It can be about how you care.

You can find Thrift & Thrive at 63 Caledon Street, Somerset West, Western Cape. If you would like to follow along, you can find the shop on Instagram and Facebook.


Sources: Email Submission
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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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So You Want to Become a Nifty Thrifter  https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/so-you-want-to-become-a-nifty-thrifter/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/so-you-want-to-become-a-nifty-thrifter/#respond Thu, 24 Apr 2025 07:00:20 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=149403

If you’ve always wanted to get into thrifting clothes, but haven’t yet found your rhythm, here are a few tips to help you become the nifty thrifter we know you...

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If you’ve always wanted to get into thrifting clothes, but haven’t yet found your rhythm, here are a few tips to help you become the nifty thrifter we know you can be!

 

South Africa (24 April 2025) — If you always feel like you fall short when attempting to thrift clothes, congratulations—you’ve just reached the first tier of second-hand shopping self-awareness. Like any skill, becoming a nifty thrifter doesn’t just happen because you’ve decided it’s something you want to get into it. Thrifting requires a beginner’s mind, a healthy dose of patience, and (perhaps most importantly), a keen sense of observation.

I’ve been thrifting since I was a teenager, and it took me years to avoid many thrifting pitfalls, writes Good Things Guy’s Ashleigh.

So, as my love letter to budding nifty thrifters in the making, here are a handful of tips to keep in your back pocket on your next thrifting adventure:

Go in with a ‘grocery list’

Just as you would (hopefully) check the contents of your pantry or fridge before heading off to the shops, give your closet a good look to figure out what you actually need. Is it an accessories moment? A time to hone in on practical pieces and basics? Or are we in statement piece territory?

Go in with intention, and don’t let the cute coat hangers bulldoze you into buying pieces that won’t add value to your wardrobe.

Don’t fudge up your budget.

I am by no means trying to tell you how much you should or shouldn’t spend. However, I will advise you with a cautious eyebrow to take whatever budget you cook up seriously. Because if you don’t go in with an idea of your monetary limitations, you could well overspend—which might put you off thrifting entirely (and no one wants that).

As thrifting is typically more affordable, people tend to get caught up in the thrill of the threads, which leads to them catching big frights when they reach the till. Avoid the awkward interaction of having to put some pieces back, and just stick to a shopping amount you’re cosy with.

Roll up your sleeves.

You don’t find diamonds simply because you wandered into a cave.

When it comes to thrifting, you need to be prepared to dig through racks, stacks, and packs of clothes. Some thrift stores are very cutesty and very demure, but many (and some of the best ones) are vast and overwhelming. Patience is of the essence in either case, which is why a sub-tip all good thrifters know is to avoid going thrifting when you’re tired or hungry.

The pay-off for your efforts will be how amazed you are at what you find simply because you choose patience over instant eye-candy.

Put on your detective cap.

When you find an item you like, don’t just look at the condition, label and size. Always check out the materials if possible, and here’s why:

  1. You’ll get a good indication of how many more rodeos the piece still has in it
  2. You’ll figure out quickly if a price is fair or not
  3. You’ll be better informed as to how many headaches the item is going to cause you

Good finds include: natural fibres (or as close as possible), denim (for durability) and linen.

What’s on the inside counts a lot.

Don’t forget to check the garment on the inside. Check out the seams, keep an eye out for any home-mended sections, and always check if the zippers are in working condition! While a few hiccups aren’t deal breakers if you know your way around a sewing machine, it can be hugely upsetting to find out a piece you’ve just copped has problems when you don’t have the skills.

If you are keen to get started, here is a list of charity shops to start with.


Sources: GTG
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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

 

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Looking for Books? Check Out This Charity’s Online Bookstore Treasures  https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/looking-for-books-check-out-this-charitys-online-bookstore-treasures/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/looking-for-books-check-out-this-charitys-online-bookstore-treasures/#respond Fri, 11 Apr 2025 06:30:56 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=148380

If you’re on the hunt for books (especially as the colder seasons make themselves known) but don’t have the time to mission from store to store, you’ve got to check...

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If you’re on the hunt for books (especially as the colder seasons make themselves known) but don’t have the time to mission from store to store, you’ve got to check out this charity shop’s kitted-out online books store:

 

Cape Town, South Africa (11 April 2025) — As the colder seasons make themselves known to South Africans, so too does the opportunity to dive back into hobbies we might’ve put aside with all the summer fun to go around. There’s nothing quite like curling up with a good read while autumn does its thing outside, and if you’re on the hunt for a new book to add to your stash, we’ve got a great place to hunt thanks to Help The Rural Child’s Online Bookstore.

A digital extension of their charity shops, the online bookstore has a two-fold purpose: to make book-hunting easier and raise funds for the Goedgedacht Trust.

In a nutshell, Help the Rural Child supports education and welfare projects for underprivileged children in rural communities through the trust. So, whether you purchase a preloved outfit from their brick-and-mortar shops or add a few books to your cart online, you’re actively contributing to alleviating the struggle for rural children.

Many charities don’t have the resources for online stores, so shops like this are a treasure!

Here, you’ll find a range of good reads from Enid Blyton to Jamie Oliver cookbooks.

Check out their collection or contribute toward it via their donation service. The team will come collect goods from you for free (you can also donate clothes, household items or other goodies for their physical stores).

Find out more here.


Sources: Help The Rural Child 
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Looking for Books? Check Out This Charity’s Online Bookstore Treasures  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

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