Thrifting for hope
At a Defenders for Hope op shop, you’ll find a mélange of pre-loved clothing, books, bric-a-brac – and support for anyone in need.
Defenders for Hope was established by Tomeeka Smith and Elise Smith after Doreen Langham, a beloved friend, was murdered by her ex-partner.
The charity seeks to eliminate all forms of domestic violence by advocating for the safety and healing of victims, shaping public policy, and increasing community awareness.
Due to surging demand, what started as a single op shop in Logan Village with the sole purpose of fundraising quickly evolved into a crisis centre for anyone in need.
Projects manager Kathy Smith says vulnerable groups, including domestic violence victims, the elderly and homeless, often have nowhere to turn.
Doreen had been in contact with police prior to her death.
‘We (Doreen and I) gave up our Christmases to spend time with the elderly, delivered food for Meals on Wheels, all that stuff – she was the type to give you the shirt off your back,’ Kathy says.
‘What happened to her should never have happened.’
The charity’s Logan Village shop offers more than just bargains, providing a comprehensive approach to helping those in need with food hampers, backpacks filled with kids’ supplies, counselling, and workshops that educate clients on topics like mental health and healthy relationships.
As the need for help has intensified, Defenders for Hope has opened 2 more op shops, in Hillcrest and Jimboomba, where visitors can do laundry and shower.
Each shop also has a food pantry for those in need.
‘We see people come in at the lowest of lows every day and just by giving them food or some advice, they feel like there’s someone there for them,’ Kathy says.
For Kathy, a long-time Rotary Club member and community volunteer, giving back is instinctual.
‘We’re just being respectful and letting them be human – we’re not doing anything more than we should be doing and we don’t need anything in return,’ she says.
‘To have such a beautiful charity behind you that lets you do a lot for the community is the most rewarding thing.’
The op shops are run by a group of volunteers, including the recently inaugurated Defenders Youth Crew: children that give up their school holidays to help stock shelves, process purchases and create social media content to spread awareness.
‘The kids learn compassion because they can see how much is needed firsthand,’ Kathy says.
‘They understand domestic violence and are spreading the word at a crucial age when they’re entering relationships.’
The charity’s next goal is to build more shelters to provide emergency accommodation for families escaping violence.
If you’d like to support their cause, visit the Defenders for Hope website.
