A NEW Jeffreys Bay charity shop is all set to help secure much-needed funds – selling second-hand goods and clothes.
All with one goal: to make various safe houses for abused women and their children more self-sufficient.
The Ladies Lighthouse Charity Shop, which opened for business in Prospect Street last week Monday, is dedicated to raising funds in an effort to help rent a temporary home and provide food for abused women – all while giving residents a new bargain-hunting spot.
“I have always loved bazaars and charity shops, especially those with hidden second-hand gems,” says Carla Smit, co-founder of The Ladies Lighthouse. “Since the establishment of this non-profit organisation in August 2018, I have dedicated the majority of my time to assist women who are victims of domestic abuse.
“So, I thought I would put my two passions together – especially as we rely heavily on donations from the public to continue doing the work we do.
“We have so many abused women, just in our town alone, and our goal is to alleviate some of the financial burden placed on them once they decide to leave that volatile relationship.
“However, we cannot do it without funds.”
According to Smith, after months of praying and searching, they have finally found the perfect place for their shop.
Then the hard work followed: cleaning, painting, putting up shelves and sorting through the myriads of boxes filled with second-hand items.
“I am so grateful for the support from the public and my family, as well as God’s unwavering grace,” says Smit. “We have been given all kinds of things – from book bargains to second-hand treasures, the shop offers customers all kinds of knick-knacks.”
Items on sale include shoes, clothes, duvets, toys, cushions, kitchenware and household items.
She says donations of books, clothes, shoes, toys and household goods are welcome, and calls on volunteers to help staff the shop, which is open daily from 09:00 to 16:00 and from 09:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays.
“The profit from our charity shop will continue the sustainability of our organisation and the work we do,” says Smit.
More information
The Ladies Lighthouse currently assists 28 single mothers and 56 children, of which the youngest is three-years-old. The organisation is solely dependent on donations from the public.
Apart from items for the charity shop, The Ladies Lighthouse is in desperate need of food and financial support.
Food needed includes bread, peanut butter, jam, syrup, flour, cooking oil, vegetables, fruit, pasta, instant soup, sugar, rice, cheese, milk, meat, tin food, yoghurt, porridge, cleaning detergents, soap and toothpaste.
Financial donations can be made to The Ladies Lighthouse at First National Bank, account number 62774803590.
“Any monthly contribution, big or small, will help rent a home for the women or to buy food for them,” says Smit.
For more information, contact Smit at 079 399 8565.
Alternatively, visit The Ladies Lighthouse Facebook Page.
