Street Store pop-up aims to clothe those who need it most, here's how YOU can help

Clarence Ford speaks to Mike Abel, Executive Chairperson of M&C Saatchi Group South Africa.

What started as an act of kindness to give those less fortunate a dignified shopping experience has turned into a global initiative and tomorrow (12 June) the Street Store celebrates 10 years.

The initiative is the world’s first rent-free, premises-free, free pop-up clothing store for people living on the street.

Street Store was founded in 2014 as a collaboration between a Cape Town ad agency, M&C Saatchi Abel, and the Haven Night Shelter in Green Point.

Mike Abel, the co-founder of the drive, said the aim is to give people who cannot afford to buy clothes a decent shopping experience.

Since its inception in 2014, the initiative has clothed over a million people who needed it most. 

Abel says 10 years ago, they only had an idea and did not know if it would work.

“A week before the first pop-up store an appeal was made on social media. Within days national media platforms shared the story. Soon international media picked up on the story too. This led to over 3 500 homeless people being clothed.” 

- Mike Abel, Executive Chairperson of M&C Saatchi Group South Africa

Fast forward to today, there are over 1 000 Street Stores in hundreds of locations which have put smiles on more than a million less fortunate people’s faces across the world.

The initiative is 'powered by ubuntu and relies entirely on the kindness of people in order for it to run', says Abel. 

Want to get involved in this initiative? 

Abel says 'collaboration is welcome.'

Donations can be dropped off at the M&C Saatchi Group South Africa or M&C Saatchi Abel campuses in Green Point, Media Quarter, 5th Floor on the corner of Somerset &, De Smit Street, De Waterkant.

To volunteer call 021 421 1024.

To start your own Street Store pop up, learn more here.