The 9Miles Project recently opened its doors to nearly 200 families who arrived wondering how they would provide for their families, only to leave the charity’s CAB Day with their bags full and their desperate prayers answered.
Cape Town, South Africa (28 July 2026) – When people think of the 9Miles Project, what likely first comes to mind is young people holding surfboards, ready to catch the waves. However, while this Cape Town-based nonprofit organisation uses surfing as a drawcard to offer therapy, safe spaces, and structured after-school programmes for vulnerable youth, it does so much more.
For impoverished children in marginalised coastal communities across Cape Town, Elands Bay, and St Francis Bay, 9Miles provides food aid, literacy and academic support, mentorship, job creation, skills development, and holistic care. Every quarter, the organisation also opens its doors to local families, giving them the opportunity to “shop” for essential items free of charge in a dignified, welcoming environment.
This past Friday, nearly 200 households from Strandfontein, Bayview, San Remo, and Camp Road experienced that dignity in action as the 9Miles Project hosted its quarterly CAB Day (“Come and Buy Without Money”) at the Strandfontein Community Hall on Cruiser Street.
Made possible through the generosity of Ackermans, Community Chest, Radisson RED, extended donors, volunteers, and community partners, the initiative transformed pre-loved clothing, bedding, shoes and household essentials into a free pop-up shopping experience where families could choose what they needed with dignity.
Every household also received a warm cup of soup, while almost every donated item found a new home.
Throughout the day, many shared that they had been wondering how they would provide for their families, only to leave saying CAB Day had become an answered prayer.
“Community CAB Day reminds us that compassion isn’t defined by where someone lives. When we open our hearts and care for one another without distinction, we create more than relief; we build a community where hope can truly take root,” said Nigel Savel, Founder of 9Miles Project.
Community CAB Day forms part of 9Miles Project’s ongoing commitment to holistic community development, restoring dignity one family at a time.
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