TEARS Animal Rescue is appealing for donated shop fittings ahead of opening its Claremont thrift store, helping direct more funds towards rescuing and rehoming vulnerable animals.
The Cape Town-based animal welfare organisation plans to open its new store at 72 Main Road, Claremont, on 1 December 2026, but needs community assistance to prepare the premises.
Currently an empty retail space, the shop requires essential fittings before it can begin selling donated clothing, books and household items to generate income for animal welfare activities.
TEARS is requesting sturdy clothing rails, shelving, glass-fronted display cabinets and other suitable retail equipment from individuals and businesses willing to donate unused fittings.
Every donated item will help reduce the cost of establishing the store, allowing more of the organisation’s resources to support the rescue, treatment, rehabilitation and rehoming of abandoned and abused dogs and cats.
The appeal also creates an opportunity for local businesses, retailers and residents to contribute practical resources that might otherwise remain unused or be discarded.
Dylan Malander, Marketing Manager at TEARS, said Claremont was a suitable location for the organisation’s latest fundraising initiative.
“Claremont is a natural home for a TEARS shop,” said Malander.
“It’s a busy area with a community that loves good thrift finds and we’re excited to be part of it.”
The organisation is specifically seeking freestanding clothing rails capable of supporting full racks of clothing, wall-mounted rails with brackets, strong shelving suitable for books and breakable items, and glass-fronted display cabinets.
Businesses renovating their premises, replacing retail equipment or closing stores are particularly encouraged to consider donating fittings that remain in good condition.
TEARS has confirmed that it can arrange collection of larger items, making it easier for supporters to contribute without needing to organise their own transport.
Prospective donors are asked to send photographs and dimensions of available fittings via WhatsApp to Penny on 072 270 5016 before arranging collection or delivery.
This will allow the organisation to assess whether the equipment is suitable for the new store.
TEARS operates thrift and book shops as part of its fundraising activities, using the income generated to support animals requiring care and rehabilitation.
The organisation’s wider work includes veterinary assistance, rescue services, humane education and finding permanent homes for animals affected by abandonment, neglect and abuse.
By expanding its retail fundraising activities, TEARS aims to strengthen the financial support available for its ongoing animal welfare programmes.
The Claremont store also offers residents an opportunity to support animal rescue through second-hand shopping, while contributing to the reuse of clothing, books and household goods.
With the opening scheduled for 1 December, TEARS is encouraging community members to identify suitable fittings and help transform the empty premises into a functioning charity shop.
The appeal demonstrates how relatively simple contributions from individuals and businesses can help nonprofit organisations reduce operating costs and direct more resources towards the communities and causes they serve.
