Canal Walk and U-turn Launch Permanent Thrift Shop to Tackle Homelessness

Canal Walk has partnered with U-turn Homeless Ministries to open a permanent thrift shop at Shop 177 on the Lower Level, providing a rent-free space to expand the charity’s efforts to combat homelessness in the Western Cape. The initiative marks a major step in Canal Walk’s social responsibility programme, combining community engagement, skills development, and retail innovation.

A Partnership With Purpose

The collaboration builds on a long-standing relationship with U-turn’s mobile Thrift Bus, which operated from Canal Walk’s bus lane at Entrance 3 for several years. The permanent shop allows the charity to expand its reach and impact while providing customers with a unique shopping experience that directly supports formerly homeless individuals, known as ‘Champions’.

U-turn operates a four-phase skills development programme, where Champions gain employment skills, earn stipends, and build confidence before transitioning to the open labour market.

“Businesses have a responsibility to address social challenges within their communities,” said 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.”

During its opening weekend, the store generated over R50,000 in turnover, demonstrating strong community support. U-turn typically receives between 400kg and 700kg of donated clothing per month, and the permanent location is expected to significantly increase donations.

Transforming Lives Through Retail

Champions working at the thrift shop receive weekly therapy and support from social workers, occupational therapists, life coaches, and counsellors. All revenue generated supports stipends, therapy, accommodation, transport, and skills development.

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

Inspiring Success Stories

• Alistar Reynolds overcame substance abuse, crime, imprisonment, and homelessness. Today, he manages a U-turn thrift shop, trains baristas, mentors others in recovery, and is a present father and son.

• Bianca Rabbaney (Ms B) experienced homelessness and drug dependency but now oversees multiple Cape Town shops, advises on Johannesburg expansion projects, and inspires Champions under her care.

U-turn aims to create an accessible life-change pathway for every homeless person in South Africa, with new service centres opening in Wynberg and rapid expansion planned in Gauteng.

Sustainable Corporate Responsibility

Canal Walk’s rent-free retail space demonstrates that meaningful corporate social responsibility requires long-term commitment. By covering overhead costs, the shopping centre enables U-turn to focus on programme delivery and impact.

How the Community Can Get Involved

Community members can help by:

• Donating quality preloved items at the store

• Purchasing Mi-change vouchers to give to people on the street instead of cash

• Volunteering with U-turn

The shop accepts clothing, furniture, books, household items, and linen, with collection services available.

Canal Walk: More Than a Shopping Centre

• Address: Century Blvd, Century City, Cape Town, 7446

• Trading Hours: 9am–9pm (contact stores directly for specific hours)

• Social Media:

  • Facebook: @canalwalk

  • Instagram: @canalwalk

  • TikTok: @canalwalk

• Hashtags: #CanalWalk #HaveItAll #ThisIsUs

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