Local online platform forgood has created an online pop-up store that sells a curated selection of handcrafted products created by various reputable charities, and in so doing facilitates contributions.
According to the company, the pop-up store, powered by Shopify, is an extension of the charity platform that connects people to reputable causes where they can choose to donate goods or offer their skilled services to a cause in need.
"It's all about matching good, for good," explains Katherine Robertson, head of e-commerce at forgood.
"We have 496 charities that are throughout the country on our platform. These causes then provide us with various products and act as suppliers. We then sell the product, of which we add VAT, shipping and a small percentage where possible. It is really something that would allow customers to buy products with purpose in a way that was easy to do and would directly support causes on the ground."
The e-store will only be operational for the month of July, which in SA is known as Mandela month in honour of Mandela Day, 18 July, which was officially declared by the United Nations in November 2009 to honour his legacy and values, through volunteering and community service.
"For now, the pilot will run for the month of July. If successful, the store will allow causes access to new customers. This is important because causes fundraise with the products they make, but don't have the time to establish new markets or networks. If the store continues beyond the month of July, we can help causes fundraise and by doing that will help them to do what they do better, which includes things like job creation, skills development and community empowerment," she says.
Some of the registered causes which will benefit include The Smile Foundation, Dogtown SA, Jewels of Hope, Gay and Lesbian Network and Kainav Conservation Foundation.
Robertson says there has been a positive response to the pop-up store, adding the platform has garnered 874 users and 20 orders placed since the launch two days ago, with multiple items in each order.
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