Charity store re-opens its doors at Sandton City

This initiative is an award-winning global corporate social initiative campaign that creates a unique way of donating clothing. Pioneered in 2013 at the VillaLobos Mall in São Paulo, Brazil, The Empty Shop’s simple concept of donate, style and empty was embraced by shopping centres around the world, including Milan, Berlin, Austin in Texas, cities in the UK, Buenos Aires and Riga in Latvia.

Last year, Sandton City and McCann Johannesburg debuted The Empty Shop, the first time it was hosted on the African continent. An amazing four tons of clothing was collected for HospiceWits.

Sandton City also set a world record in the process, collecting the most clothing donated to date – 3.2 tons collected by VillaLobos Mall.

This year, Sandton City is hoping to improve on this and collect even more, which will be donated to the Tomorrow Trust.

The concept is simple, customers donate clothing in good condition to the shop and the clothing is then displayed daily on mannequins to create show-stopping looks. Every evening, the store then gets emptied and ready to receive new donations the next day.

Two variations this year will enable Sandton City to collect even more for charity. Firstly, customers will be able to donate toys and children’s books in addition to clothing and accessories. Secondly, customers will be able to purchase clothing that catches their eye at The Empty Shop. All proceeds, as well as all unsold items, will be donated to the Tomorrow Trust.

The trust supports orphaned and vulnerable children throughout their educational journey. Providing holistic education, the Johannesburg-based non-governmental organisation focuses on academic and life skills, thereby empowering the youngsters it helps to reach their full potential as self-sustaining and proactive members of society.

Details: www.sandtoncity.com