Canal Walk has deepened its commitment to tackling homelessness in the Western Cape by offering U-turn Homeless Ministries a permanent, rent-free retail space for its newest thrift shop. The store, now open at Shop 177 on the Lower Level, marks a major expansion of the centre’s social investment programme and provides U-turn with a sustainable platform to scale its life-changing work.
The partnership builds on years of collaboration, with U-turn’s mobile Thrift Bus previously operating from Canal Walk’s bus lane at Entrance 3. The new store allows the organisation to broaden its impact, offering shoppers a curated thrifting experience while directly supporting people rebuilding their lives after homelessness.
U-turn’s model is one of the most comprehensive in South Africa. Its four-phase programme supports individuals from crisis to recovery, skills development and long-term employment. The thrift shop forms part of the work-readiness phase, where formerly homeless participants, known as Champions, gain hands-on retail experience, earn stipends and prepare for entry into the open labour market.
“Businesses have a responsibility to help address social challenges,” said Vanessa Herbst, Marketing Manager at Canal Walk. “Offering U-turn rent-free space creates a long-term, sustainable platform that supports skills development and uplifts communities.”
The store’s opening weekend generated more than R50,000 in sales, signalling strong public support for the initiative. U-turn already receives between 400 kg and 700 kg of donated clothing each month, and the new permanent location is expected to significantly increase donations and sales, all of which feed directly into its support programmes.
Champions receive weekly therapy from a multidisciplinary team of social workers, occupational therapists, life coaches and counsellors. Revenue from the store helps cover accommodation, transport, therapy, stipends and the organisation’s extensive skills development work.
The store offers high-quality preloved and new items including clothing, shoes, accessories, décor, books, household goods and furniture. All donations are carefully sorted and curated to create a modern retail environment that challenges outdated perceptions of charity shops.
Behind the retail floor are powerful stories of transformation. Alistar Reynolds, once trapped in addiction and homelessness, rebuilt his life through U-turn’s programme and is now a store manager, barista trainer and mentor to others in recovery. Bianca Rabbaney, known as Ms B, overcame years of homelessness after finding acceptance and support at U-turn. She now oversees multiple stores in Cape Town and supports the organisation’s expansion in Johannesburg.
U-turn plans to open new service centres in Wynberg and across Gauteng to increase access to its life-change pathway for every homeless person in South Africa. The Canal Walk partnership strengthens this mission by reducing operational overheads and ensuring greater programme sustainability.
Community members can support the initiative by donating quality items, shopping at the thrift store, purchasing Mi-change vouchers instead of giving cash on the street, volunteering time or arranging bulk donation collections.
The new U-turn Thrift Shop at Canal Walk is more than a retail outlet. It represents dignity, opportunity and the transformative power of partnership in addressing homelessness. Through sustained support and collaboration, Canal Walk is helping to set a new standard for corporate social responsibility in South Africa.
