In the face of a strained public healthcare system, smaller initiatives find their purpose. South Africa’s hospitals are asked to do more with limited resources, serving communities whose needs often outpace what government budgets can provide. JANE MAYNE finds out that it’s in the gap left by that pressure that a modest effort such as New Somerset Hospital’s small charity shop steps in.
Shop coordinator Tasmin Heuvel says that the need for additional support is clear. “Across the Western Cape, public hospitals have at times recorded more than 1.68 million outpatient visits and almost 1 million emergency visits in a single financial year. These numbers give us an idea of just how many people rely on our healthcare facilities.”
The Western Cape Government has acknowledged the financial constraints facing healthcare, with longer queues and growing backlogs placing additional pressure on healthcare workers and facilities. This is where, she says, the charity shop plays an important role. “Government funding is essential for providing healthcare, but fundraising allows us to contribute towards additional things that can make a real difference to patients, families and staff. Every rand raised has the potential to become something meaningful — whether it helps to provide equipment, improve an area of the hospital, support patients, or simply make someone’s experience a little more comfortable.”
Kindness, compassion, community support
Tasmin has been volunteering at New Somerset in Green Point, Cape Town, for almost 20 years. “It has become a very special part of my life. I have met so many wonderful people — patients, families, doctors, nurses, support staff and fellow volunteers — and each experience has taught me something. Being around the hospital has made me realise how much kindness, compassion and community support can mean to someone who may be going through a difficult time.”
The initiative supports both patients and staff. “I see the shop as much more than a place where people buy and donate items. It is a way for the community to come together and give something back. Every donation, every purchase, and every hour given by our volunteers contributes in some way.”
Stock currently comes from community and business support. Tasmin shares that donations from the public are extremely important to keeping the shop going. “Every item gives us an opportunity to raise funds. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who takes the time to donate good-quality items. Donations from businesses are also valuable to us because they give us a wider variety of products to offer in the shop.”
Is there a call for bric-a-brac items to sell? “Absolutely. These are very popular with our customers. Things that sell well include good-quality ornaments, home décor, kitchenware, crockery, glassware, picture frames, vases, small household items and collectibles. We also welcome interesting or unusual pieces — you never know what little treasure someone might be looking for!”
Small efforts can make a meaningful difference
“We would especially appeal to people to have a look around their homes before throwing things away. That ornament sitting in a cupboard, a set of glasses that is no longer being used, or a beautiful piece of décor that has been replaced could find a new home through our charity shop.”
Children’s items are also welcome, provided they are clean, safe and in good condition. “We particularly welcome good-quality children’s toys, books, clothing, puzzles, games and blankets. These can be especially meaningful because they can bring a little comfort, distraction and happiness to children and families who may be going through a difficult time.”
“Children’s items are very close to my heart. During my years of volunteering, I spent time reading stories to children and bringing toys that had been collected. I remember how something as simple as a toy or a story could bring a smile to a child’s face. A toy can bring a smile, a book can provide an escape, and a warm blanket can bring comfort.”
Tasmin adds: “Every donation, purchase, and hour of volunteer work contributes to a worthwhile cause, and it is rewarding to see how these small efforts can make a meaningful difference. We would love to see more people from the community supporting the shop.”
Members of the public are welcome to drop off donations directly at the Somerset Hospital charity shop during operating hours – this includes clothing, bric-a-brac, books, toys, household items and other good-quality goods; as well as donations from businesses.
The charity shop is open to the public on designated days. Sales are held at the Louis Blumberg Building on the Somerset Hospital grounds.
- To donate or volunteer, call 083 436 2124, or email
- Read more about New Somerset Hospital’s Cuddle Therapy Programme for abandoned babies here.
