From people trading Checkers’ minis for animal food supplies, to charities who are using South Africa’s favourite currency as a lifeline of support; the Little Shop is making a massive difference when in the right hands!
South Africa (11 November 2024) — By now, you (probably) know that the hottest currency in South Africa is not a currency at all, but rather Checkers’ minis. Since the minis’ collection was released, South Africans all over the country have raced to shops, negotiated and ruthlessly scavenged to make the most of the Little Shop big trend. And some are doing it for all reasons selfless!
In case you’re not sure what the Frikkie is going on, here’s a little catch-up. Checkers released another ‘Little Shop’. Those who swipe their Xtra cards over R200 receive a mini item from the collection (think a tiny Oros bottle or miniature shopping cart). Even if there are multiple R200s in a big shop, shoppers will receive a mini for each R200 swiped—meaning a lot of mini items could stack up.
However, the items are given at random, and some people want to have the full collection. What happens when there’s a demand and a randomised supply? Trading, bartering, and asking your friends nicely.
Just as it was in previous years, the collector’s ‘market’ got so popular that people realised they could charge for coveted minis. And they did. While some made profits for themselves, others saw the opportunity to do some good for others, and so the charities’ boom continues!
Here are the people and organisations making the most of the Little Shop in all ways wholesome:
Anet Sauer Gives Purrpaws Pets a Reason to Purr!
Purrpaws for Life Rescue Centre was recently treated to a lot of essential food items for the cats and dogs in their care thanks to one Anet Sauer who started a minis collection for the no-kill rescue centre based in Viljoensdrif. Thanks to her collection, the team were able to receive over 300kgs of dog food, 20kgs of cat food and 190 cans of tinned food; items which came just in time as the organisation’s funds had run very low.
Anet then went and raffled the first prized pink trolley for the organisation; helping Purrpaws with R2,000 towards the organisations veterinary bill.
Little Blake Donates All his Minis for Kittens in Need
A young hero named Blake donated his entire Little Shop loot to Fourways-based animal rescue service, Tiny Whiskers Kitten Rescue. Thanks to him and community organisation Life with Sheldon & Mackey, Tiny Whiskers got a bigger boost to help them fundraise (and even a pink trolley!).
Life with Sheldon & Mackey are Minis Super Heroes!
From auctions to raffles, Life with Sheldon & Mackey have made the absolute most of the mini mania! Through social media, they’ve connected people wanting to donate minis, to pay-it-forward causes; helping organisations like Animal Allies and Border Collie Rescue South Africa!.
More young people have risen to the occasion to support their drives, including students at De La Salle Holy Cross College who donated minis and food. You can keep up with their minis for good work (and support the causes) here.
P.S: Pink trolley seekers, there is a limited raffle on the cards for R50 per ticket! These funds will be split to support both Animal Allies and Border Collie Rescue South Africa.
Shane Swan Supports SPCA
In Amanzimtoti, Shane Swan swopped Checkers minis for food donations to help animals at the local SPCA! The SPCA have their own Minis for Meals initiative running to which their community has responded generously. Those interested in adding a new mini to their collection in exchange for pet food can contact the team on 031 904 2424.
Goods 4 Good Give Feral Cats a Fighting Chance
Community Goods 4 Good (an auction page who help bidders connect to kindness) are selling minis to support Sandpaper Kisses – Feral Cats SA (who focus on the Centurion area) to help the cats often overlooked by society. They have a host of little goodies for any eager collector!
Meanwhile in KwaZulu-Natal, Danieta Vosloo and Trudie Roets are trading minis and auctioning items to help feed and sterilise feral cats. You can find their posts here.
The Barking Ark Uses Coveted Pink Trolley for a Purpose!
Somerset West non-profit The Barking Ark also got to auction a coveted Little Shop item—the pink trolley. The piece alone went for R600 but here’s the incredible twist. Top bidder Graham Dobbie donated it back to the Barking Ark so that they could auction it again, and proceeds are going to sterilisation efforts.
Danielle Drives Change for Alberton Animals
Danielle Scheurkogel is following up on her 2022 efforts by using her minis collection to support animals in Alberton (Kitty Kazz and SPCA Alberton). Danielle has created a whole website with information for prospective collectors; talk about organising for a cause!
Beanies for Beings Makes the Most of the Minis Market
Beanies for Beings in North Riding are a humans-in-need focused organisation who use their knitting network for loads of good! But earlier this month, they hosted a Minis ‘swop day’ at a market where people could exchange minis for their WelBeing Food Bank’s tinned food drive; supporting struggling families.
Durbanville Children’s Home Turns Minis into Tools
The Durbanville Children’s Home are collecting minis for the children in their care—something they explain as “an amazing tool” in their Occupational Therapy Programme. Those who wish to donate can contact them via dch@dchome.org.za.
Helping Wildlife with a Little Pink Treasure
In more pink trolley news, Lins Rautenback auctioned off a pink trolley to support the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital with their imperative work for wildlife!
by 