The SAINTS charity shop turns ten this year, and they are celebrating by hosting a big bash this weekend! This is how you can join in.
Fourways, South Africa (27 July 2022) – While the acronym means “Supporting Animals In Needy Times”, anyone who knows the organisation agrees that SAINTS is run and supported by people who save, shelter and sterilise animals out of a deep love for them and their ongoing wellbeing at all times.
SAINTS was founded in 2008 by Vivienne Elliott and her son Jordan. They started small and hosted a book sale to help well-known animal shelter FORA to purchase food for their many shelter animals. They were able to handover over R5 000 to FORA.
“From the start, our business model was to offer supporters something in return for their money,” says Viv.
They started selling donated goods and using the funds to support animal welfare organisations. It was heartwarming seeing the money raised, go directly towards the animals they loved so dearly.
SAINTS was formalised as a non-profit company (NPC) in 2012 with two co-directors; the SAINTS journey grew from book sales to clothing, ornaments and oddment sales – and much more. In 2012, the SAINTS Charity Shop was opened at North Riding Square, Bellairs Drive, Northriding.
“We got a good deal on rent from our wonderful landlord, and set up our goods for an opening on 7 July 2012,” says Viv. “We’d hoped for success, but what happened was beyond what any of us could have asked: We turned over R21 000 on opening day!”
Thrilled by this triumph, Viv and her team distributed the funds to animal shelters they knew were in dire need of assistance.
“We chose organisations – including vets – that we’d worked with before. Our aim was always to support ethical welfare and to ensure that animal lovers who supported us by giving and buying from us knew exactly where their money was going.”
In the decade since they opened their doors, SAINTS has managed to grow from strength to strength. Today, they not only have a physical store where items can be purchased, but they also do online marketing using a variety of Facebook pages. Each with its own purpose.
The charity shop has nine regular beneficiaries who not only get a share of the monthly profits; they get bonuses when initiatives make additional funds.
“We also continue to pay towards sterilisations wherever they are needed,” Viv notes, “and where charities in other parts of the country are in crises, we assist where we can.”
The organisation turns ten this year and is hosting a big bash on the 31st of July 2022, in honour of all the great years they have been supported.
“To celebrate our delight at turning 10, we’re holding what looks set to be a spectacular day at The Stables in Chartwell,” says Viv. “With my co-directors Debbie Giles and Bronwyn Yarr, alongside staff, beneficiaries, friends of SAINTS, and animal lovers from all over Gauteng, the event is being hosted by The Stables.
“The exceptional Danny Painter is our MC, and will keep your feet tapping to Mark G, Kutlwano Yika, and Steve Walls. We look forward to seeing everyone who has got us this far there.”
The SAINTS Team is hoping to put faces to some of the buyers from Facebook, to introduce donors to beneficiaries and to make sure those who keep donating actually see the good they do by “buying for good”.
“Join us on Sunday 31 July for music and entertainment, and the magic of meeting animal lovers from communities across Gauteng,” Viv urges. “We want you to know everything you’ve done for us has saved, sheltered or sterilised a beloved animal. We’re looking forward to the next decade with gratitude and delight.”
You can check out the online charity shop here or join the festivities here.
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