What began 20 years ago as a single Mowbray bookshop run by 12 volunteers has grown into a vital lifeline across the Western Cape, turning donated books and second-hand treasures into life-changing care, nourishment, and education for the quietest, most vulnerable young hearts.
Western Cape, South Africa (22 July 2026) – From their basic needs and living conditions to their educational and emotional support, the rural child’s overall well-being is too often overlooked. Through no fault of their own, they are met with systemic odds stacked against them long before they ever enter the world.
To stand up for these young people born into hardship before they can even experience the simple joys of childhood, Help the Rural Child Charity Shops (HTRC) were established to make a lasting, meaningful difference in their lives.
The charity’s story began humbly in 1998 as an initiative under Catholic Welfare and Development (CWD). In search of creative ways to generate income, Help the Rural Child was born as a small second-hand bookshop.
They found the perfect home in Mowbray: a newly restored, two-storey Victorian building on a bustling corner of Durban Road. On 1 July 1998, the bookshop opened its doors, run by a dedicated shop manager and 12 devoted volunteers. It quickly grew from strength to strength, eventually expanding into the second floor.
In 2006, the organisation made the step to become independent of CWD, forming the Help the Rural Child Trust to channel its support directly to rural children through the Goedgedacht Trust.
Today, the charity operates a chain of eight second-hand shops across Cape Town, South Africa. The proceeds from these clothing, furniture, and book shops directly fund the Goedgedacht Trust – helping provide essential after-school care, daily nutrition, and literacy programs for the vulnerable rural children who need them most.
20 Years of Helping the Rural Child
This year marks a very special milestone for HTRC as it celebrates 20 years of transforming generosity into opportunity for vulnerable rural children across the Western Cape.
HTRC also runs a mobile bookshop which visits schools and an online bookshop. Every donated item and every purchase has helped fund life-changing programmes run by the Goedgedacht Trust’s Path Onto Prosperity (POP) Centres, where children receive educational support, nutritious meals, life-skills training and opportunities to reach their full potential.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the charity is inviting the community to get involved in two exciting initiatives:
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The Cosy Library Corners book donation drive campaign aims to improve literacy in rural communities by creating a safe and enticing space where children can enjoy reading and exploring books, thereby growing their skills and nurturing a love of reading!
“We are inviting our supporters to donate a book for R67 through our website to help us reach our goal of 1000 books,” says Michelle Gibbs of Help The Rural Child’s Marketing Department.
‘Clear the Clutter, Create Your Calm’ Event
This August, HTRC is excited to host its first guest speaker fundraiser event at The Old Biscuit Mill in Salt River: Clear the Clutter, Create Your Calm.
“It is an inspiring evening focused on the connection between decluttering our homes, simplifying our lives and improving our wellbeing. Guests will leave with practical tips for creating a calmer personal space (both physically and mentally) while learning that the items they choose to donate can help change the lives of rural children. It’s a wonderful reminder that creating more calm in our lives can result in the creation of hope and opportunities for someone else,” Michelle explains.
As HTRC celebrates 20 years, the team behind the incredible organisation extends its heartfelt thanks to every donor, customer, volunteer, supporter and partner who has walked this journey with them.
“Your generosity has helped make the invisible rural child visible, and together we look forward to creating many more years of hope, opportunity and lasting impact.”
For more information, visit HTRC’s website or call 021 685 2810
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