Of course, it was the books that drew me in. Second-hand bookshops are a treasure trove. There is something so special about books that have come down over the years – passing through many loving hands, cherished and remembered, opening vistas of possibility, hope, and emotional release, stimulating the imagination, as well as introducing one to the famous, the infamous, and the ordinary people of the years that have passed. From classic to contemporary, science fiction to romance, historical to mystery, poetry and prose, fiction and non-fiction, they were all there – and far more of them than I would have imagined.
Hospice is a very special organisation with the philosophy: ‘You matter until the very last moment of your life.’ They focus on people with a terminal illness and aim, through palliative care, to help them make the most of life. There are so many people and families who have cause to bless them for their love and care. One of the ways in which they raise money to support the sick is through their charity shops. There is a large group of such shops in Orange Grove, Johannesburg, which include:
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- Bric a Brac and Bargain shop – wonderful for finding jewellery, homeware and collectables or the one lid you need for your casserole dish, etc.
- Children’s shop – stocking good quality clothes, toys, prams cots, everything you need from birth to 15 years old.
- Boutique style shop – excellent quality clothes.
- Furniture shop – diverse items.
- Linen shop - various types of linen.
