Not just any store – one that also dispenses dignity

The Denis Hurley Centre, adjacent to the Emmanuel Cathedral in Durban is our ‘city mission’. This is the place which brings gifts of compassion to the poorest of the city’s poor – people living on the streets.

To meet the need for clothing we joined hands with Grace Family Church combining donated items with those from a local discount clothing store to create a ‘Street Store’.

On the day, clothes were laid out and hung up – like a department store. Each of the 1 057 customers was met by a personal shopper to assist them in choosing items to fill their shopping bags at no cost.

But it didn’t end there. Customers also had the chance to get their hair and nails cut, have access to washing facilities, enjoy a vegetarian meal arranged by a Hindu organisation, Food for Life, time with a prayer partner, be able to receive advice on substance abuse, have questions answered by the Legal Resources team, and be able to register to vote in this year’s election.

Described as an occasion to witness God’s supreme work in action, it also showed that ecumenism is a wonderful thing.