An invitation to shop for free drew scores of people to 9Miles’ Come and Buy (CAB) day last week.

The event, which the non-profit hosts quarterly, is a space where people can shop for free, in a market-like setup, “with dignity”, said Margo Carelse, the public relations and marketing officer for 9Miles.

Carelse said the aim was just to give back. She said 9Miles receives donations throughout the year, some of which they give away at CABs.

“Cab days are the best days,” Carelse said. “It’s chaos but in the best possible way.”

Skipping the queue

On Friday 24 July, a CAB day was held at Strandfontein Community Hall.

Eager shoppers started queueing hours before the event began at 12:00. Carelse said that elderly and disabled people were allowed to skip the queue but in a fair way, “mixed with those who have been queuing early”.

The market was also not a free-for-all. Shoppers were limited to a token card’s worth of items and 15 minutes of browsing, so that everyone was given a fair chance.

Donations

Carelse said the donated stock comes from various sources.

“Right through the year we collect donations from larger companies, such as hotels, like Radisson Red, or Ackermans. Sometimes the things are new, sometimes it’s shop-soiled or gently used,” Carelse said. “But sometimes it’s also just from individuals who support the cause. They’ve decluttered their home and are trying to give someone else their pre-loved treasure.”

Items for “sale” range from clothing to linen and bric-a-brac and “anything that your family might need”, Carelse said.

The CAB is also not only restricted to Strandfontein. Carelse said a CAB is usually held in Elands Bay in October. Smaller CABs, from smaller donations, are also held throughout the year in informal settlements.

“But whenever we get these big types of donations then we would serve the whole public,” she said.

Fund-raising happens separately

Not all second-hand goods are given away for free though. Second-hand surf items are sold to raise funds.

“We have our social enterprises,” Carelse said. “Our cafe, which runs mainly during summer, and our second-hand surf shop, that sells surf equipment, boards and wetsuits which are refurbished and that is how we raise funds for our projects.

“But CAB day is more about giving back to the community, because we see the need.”

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