The Clothing Bank in Thornton is appealing for donations after their warehouse went up in flames two weeks ago.
TCB is a social entrepreneurship programme with over 400 women traders who depend on the Cape Town branch for their livelihoods.
The fire occurred on Sunday, 26 May, and they’ve since been trying to recover but is struggling, says Tracey Gilmore, TCB’s Chief Operating Officer.
They are now appealing to the public to donate any good quality second-hand clothing items.
“We are deeply saddened by the fire, but we are working hard to get up and running as soon as possible to limit the impact on our traders,” says Gilmore.
Founded in 2010, TCB provides opportunities for unemployed mothers to learn entrepreneurial skills and help them set up their own trading businesses using clothing donated by SA retailers.
The programme supports 760 moms in Cape Town, Paarl, East London, Durban and Joburg.
Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for City Fire and Rescue Service, says they responded to the fire at 12.30am on that Sunday.
“Twelve firefighting appliances, including specialised vehicles, were on scene,” he says.
“The fire was contained at 6.20am, and after 11am the fire incident was extinguished.
“No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is unknown.”
TCB is now occupying new premises opposite the gutted building at 31 Thor Circle in Thornton.
Donations can be dropped off, or email [email protected] for more details.