A Partnership With Purpose

The collaboration builds on an existing relationship where U-turn's mobile Thrift Bus has operated from Canal Walk's bus lane at Entrance 3 for several years. The new permanent store allows the charity to expand its reach and impact whilst providing customers with a unique shopping experience that directly supports homeless individuals, says Canal Walk.

U-turn operates a comprehensive four-phase skills development programme designed to help people overcome homelessness. The thrift shop serves as a crucial component of the charity's work-readiness phase, where formerly homeless individuals — affectionately known as 'Champions' — gain employment skills, earn stipends and build confidence before transitioning to the open labour market, adds Canal Walk.

"We believe businesses have a responsibility to address social challenges within their communities," says Vanessa Herbst, Marketing Manager at Canal Walk. "By providing U-turn with rent-free retail space, we're creating a sustainable platform for skills development and community engagement that benefits everyone."

The impact has been immediate and measurable. During its opening weekend, the store generated over R50 000 in turnover, demonstrating strong community support. U-turn typically receives between 400 kg and 700 kg of donated clothing monthly, with expectations that the permanent location will significantly increase donations, says Canal Walk.

Transforming Lives Through Retail Experience

Champions working at the thrift shop receive comprehensive support including weekly therapy sessions from an interdisciplinary team of social workers, occupational therapists, life coaches and counsellors. All revenue generated returns directly to the programme, covering stipends, therapy, accommodation, transport and skills development, adds Canal Walk.

The store offers a carefully curated selection of high-quality preloved and new items including clothing, shoes, accessories, household goods and furniture. Each donation is sorted, washed and selected to meet strict quality standards, creating a modern retail environment that challenges traditional perceptions of charity shops, says Canal Walk.

Success Stories Demonstrate Programme Impact

U-turn’s ambitious goal extends beyond individual transformation. The organisation plans to create an accessible life-change pathway for every homeless person in South Africa, with new service centres opening in Wynberg and rapid expansion in Gauteng province, adds Canal Walk.

Sustainable Corporate Responsibility Model

The partnership reflects Canal Walk's understanding that meaningful corporate social responsibility requires sustained commitment rather than one-off charitable gestures. By providing ongoing support through free retail space, the shopping centre enables U-turn to focus resources on programme delivery rather than overhead costs, says Canal Walk.

How the Community Can Get Involved

Community members can support the initiative by donating quality preloved items at the store, purchasing Mi-change vouchers to give to people on the street instead of cash, or volunteering with the organisation. The charity accepts clothing, furniture, books, household items and linen, with collection services available, adds Canal Walk.

The U-turn Thrift Shop at Canal Walk operates as more than a retail outlet — it represents hope, transformation and the power of community partnership in addressing one of South Africa's most pressing social challenges, says Canal Walk.

About U-turn Homeless Ministries U-turn works to transform the lives of homeless individuals through comprehensive support programmes spanning addiction recovery, skills development, employment training and community reintegration. The organisation operates multiple service centres and retail outlets across South Africa, concludes Canal Walk.

For more information, visit www.canalwalk.co.za. You can also follow Canal Walk Shopping Centre on Facebook, X, or on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of contributor