HERE is proof social media can make an impact.
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Ballarat woman Sarah Britten had an idea to provide a pop-up shop for the region’s homeless and took to social media with a call for help.
Her idea was soon put in motion. Providing she receives approval from the council, Ballarat could soon host its first pop-up shop aimed at helping clothe Ballarat’s less fortunate.
The pop-up shop is part of a worldwide not-for-profit organisation, The Street Store, the world’s first premises-free, free clothing store for the poor curated by locals.
“Originally, I had seen a post on Facebook. Someone had done this in the UK and I thought ‘wow that’s perfect’,” Ms Britten said.
Sparking an idea to hold a store in Ballarat, she put a post on Ballarat Buy Swap and Sell looking for volunteers.
“I thought I’d get a couple of people but I’m stoked at the response,” she said.
“It received 99 likes and I had over 100 message. I was so excited. The phone was going off.
“There are a lot of people who sit at home and say they want to do something. This is one way they can.”
Ms Britten said it was hoped the store would help break down barriers surrounding homelessness and encouraged the community to become more involved.
“I’ve always wanted to help the homeless. I’d save them all if I could,” she said.
“Everyone has a story to tell. They’re not homeless for no reason and people shouldn’t be so quick to judge.
“To see a smile on someone’s face is what I’m doing this for. To know they can brush their teeth or sleep in new sheets and clean pyjamas would be amazing.”
Ms Britten is calling for donations of clothing, non-perishable foods, bags, shoes and blankets.
All donations will be sorted and anyone who needs items will be shown through the pop-up shop by a volunteer and given clothing free of charge.
“There will be no money spent, just our time,” she said.
“We will have a phenomenal amount of stuff.
“My main concern is people coming and taking advantage, but I’m hoping they do the right thing.”
A similar pop-up shop was held in Melbourne during December.
On Monday, Ms Britten plans to approach the council to discuss holding the pop-up shop in front of the Civic Hall.
For information, or to donate, contact Sarah Britten on 0468 945 804 or
visit facebook.com/pages/Pop-Up-Shop-For-The-
Homeless-Ballarat/
311819549014070
alicia.thomas@fairfaxmedia.com.au