Nagpur: In his mid-20s, Durga’s eyes glow when he browses the clothes on display at Nagpur’s special “pop-up boutique”.
Durga picks up some of her favorite dresses from the “boutique” but she doesn’t have to pay them. This boutique and Durga do not have a check-out counter. She is a homeless woman living in a shelter in Nagpur. Officially, it is “My Shelter StoreHe is the creator of ‘ NGO Zero Gravityat the forefront of implementing innovative projects.
“We have started “My Shelter Home” as a boutique exclusively for homeless people,” said Maitreyi Jichkar, co-founder of the NGO. We have set up this pop-up store in a shelter home or in a mutually convenient location.
Shelter Home Managers will be informed in advance of the location and timing of these stores. This ensures that the beneficiaries do not lose.
The idea behind the “My Shelter Home” initiative was to change the way people donate their clothes. “There must be dignity in the process of giving clothes to the poor. Their self-esteem must be a priority. So we decided to provide them with a shopping experience like a big retailer.”
Zero’s gravity volunteers will also double as “shopping assistants.” They help the beneficiaries choose which clothes are suitable for them. No wonder, Durga is happy. “I feel like I’m in a flashy place and I’ve really enjoyed my clothes choices.”
Another “shopper”, 21-year-old Pratiksha Uike, said, “It’s nice to choose a dress according to our size. The variety here is amazing. We were able to see many options where long dresses, salwars, accessories, all available just like those big stores.”
Mananda Pais said, “We were so happy to see this. We went shopping while talking to others. We were able to take what we wanted without hesitation.”
Zero Gravity Volunteer Sameeran has so far shared the clothing journey and the thought process that involves quality checks despite donations. “We will decide on the day when people can come to the Zero Gravity Office and donate. At the event at the Shradhanand Orphanage on Saturday, the date of the donation was March 24th to 29th. It is desirable to wash and iron at least, at least clean.
Volunteer Sagarika Limay said, “We sorted them out according to age group and style: Western dresses, Indian dresses, medium or large.”
A homeless woman in her mid-50s said, “I’ve been experiencing this for the first time. I’ve received clothes that have been donated before, and this is very special. I can’t walk to the store in the mall and help the staff choose the best one.
(Input from Litishka Jagdeo)
Durga picks up some of her favorite dresses from the “boutique” but she doesn’t have to pay them. This boutique and Durga do not have a check-out counter. She is a homeless woman living in a shelter in Nagpur. Officially, it is “My Shelter StoreHe is the creator of ‘ NGO Zero Gravityat the forefront of implementing innovative projects.
“We have started “My Shelter Home” as a boutique exclusively for homeless people,” said Maitreyi Jichkar, co-founder of the NGO. We have set up this pop-up store in a shelter home or in a mutually convenient location.
Shelter Home Managers will be informed in advance of the location and timing of these stores. This ensures that the beneficiaries do not lose.
The idea behind the “My Shelter Home” initiative was to change the way people donate their clothes. “There must be dignity in the process of giving clothes to the poor. Their self-esteem must be a priority. So we decided to provide them with a shopping experience like a big retailer.”
Zero’s gravity volunteers will also double as “shopping assistants.” They help the beneficiaries choose which clothes are suitable for them. No wonder, Durga is happy. “I feel like I’m in a flashy place and I’ve really enjoyed my clothes choices.”
Another “shopper”, 21-year-old Pratiksha Uike, said, “It’s nice to choose a dress according to our size. The variety here is amazing. We were able to see many options where long dresses, salwars, accessories, all available just like those big stores.”
Mananda Pais said, “We were so happy to see this. We went shopping while talking to others. We were able to take what we wanted without hesitation.”
Zero Gravity Volunteer Sameeran has so far shared the clothing journey and the thought process that involves quality checks despite donations. “We will decide on the day when people can come to the Zero Gravity Office and donate. At the event at the Shradhanand Orphanage on Saturday, the date of the donation was March 24th to 29th. It is desirable to wash and iron at least, at least clean.
Volunteer Sagarika Limay said, “We sorted them out according to age group and style: Western dresses, Indian dresses, medium or large.”
A homeless woman in her mid-50s said, “I’ve been experiencing this for the first time. I’ve received clothes that have been donated before, and this is very special. I can’t walk to the store in the mall and help the staff choose the best one.
(Input from Litishka Jagdeo)
