Kindness Paved the Way to Kenton’s Only Charity Store

Photo Credit: Kenton-on-Sea & Boesmans Tourism

Every sale helps someone in need. Every hour volunteered proves that Kenton’s community runs on kindness.

Eastern Cape, South Africa (02 February 2026) – Kenton-on-Sea’s only charity shop started in a garage six years ago.

Robbie Cameron Avis from Coastal Kindness already knew that the need in the community was vast. Long before Covid-19 ever made an appearance. When the pandemic landed, it brought an entirely new storm that everyone – even the most vulnerable – suddenly had to weather.

One of the greatest needs – beyond food and shelter – became warmth. It was the dead of winter; people had to brave the cold with what they had on their back.

“We started collecting used clothing just after the pandemic hit South Africa. It was all very scary, not knowing what was going to happen and how we were going to live our lives. Easier for some than others.” says Robbie. “When the cold seeps into your bones, when the clothes on your back get dirty and wet. When there is no knowing where or when the next meal will come from…surely, we should – could – do something to lessen the impact of the pandemic on those with little or nothing.”

A call went out to the community. Hope showed up in donated piles of sweaters, trousers, dresses, shoes and blankets that landed in Robbie’s garage. At a time when the risk of disease was high, people still pitched up. Masks on and sanitiser in hand, volunteers worked through every donation.

“They sorted, folded, sized, washed, paired and mended and darned if necessary. Then packaged into size compatible outfits for men, women and children.”

Each package was distributed, with a few odds and ends left behind by the end of it. Those items became the start of Kenton’s only charity store!

“What was predominantly left in the garage was…evening shoes, evening dresses, swimming costumes, jewellery and other stuff unsuitable for the rigors of winter but very suitable to start a POSH Charity Shop. And so, we did.”

Now, six years later, the shop (on 1 School Road, next to the padel courts) has made a difference in hundreds of lives. It’s all thanks to an exceptionally kind network of almost 30 volunteers as well as community donations that fill shelves with pre-loved clothing, bedding, towels, kitchenware, and other home items.

The best thing? The income generated from sales go toward charity.

“The income from the shop – barring only a few expenses and overheads – enables us to make monthly donations to several local charities. Siya Soup – an outstanding community feeding scheme. Child Welfare – with only one Social Worker and a team of volunteers, they make a huge difference to children and families in need. Domestic Animal Care – whose focus is on educating animal owners in best practices as well as spaying stray and neglected cats and dogs. Coastal Kindness – a NPC whose mission is to identify and fill the gaps between state and private health and wellness services. More recently we have started supporting Nkwenkwezi Creche, where we assist with a monthly donation for lunches for the little ones and have also been able to supply camp cots, sheets, nappies and formula.” says Robbie.

She adds that her pride lies in how the shop has evolved.

“It’s a place of safety for people to pop in and chat. A wonderland of clothes and goods that need a new home. A shop accessible to everyone in the community. A hub of activity for the volunteers whose lives have been enhanced, not only by giving back but also by meeting new people from all walks of life.”

POSH Charity Shop – and every helper who keeps it going – has celebrated many wins in its six years. Beyond serving the needy on multiple fronts, it has created a community of kindness. Each year, the shop hosts its own ‘Oscars’ to honour those who have generously stepped in to make a difference.

“Several of the garage volunteers still work in the shop today. That’s a long haul and that’s why we give out Oscars once a year to honour the work of these dedicated ladies.”

And that’s how a community makes it happen!