Page 16 - Dainfern Precinct Living July Issue 2025

ESTATE MATTERS
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TTERS
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ESTATE MATTERS
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HOME FRONT
HOME FRONT

THE CHESHIRE TROVE

COMMUNITY, COURAGE AND THE POWER

OF PAYING IT FORWARD

B Y NIC OLA KILL OPS

ucked away in the quieter corner was little dignity or support for people living is in Social Emotional Learning (SEL),
of Dainfern Valley Shopping Centre with disabilities. So in 1948, he opened working as an EQ coach to help children and
—past the car wash, beyond his home to a disabled friend in need. That educators build emotional intelligence—
Tthe usual buzz—you’ll find The single act of compassion sparked what would developing skills like empathy, resilience,
Cheshire Trove. It’s not just another thrift become the Leonard Cheshire Disability self-awareness, and responsible decision-
shop. It’s a space where stories live on, and Group—now a global network helping people making. SEL enhances behaviour and
where every sale helps change a life. live fuller, more independent lives. well-being across classrooms, homes, and
communities.
At first glance, it might look like a boutique, In South Africa, the Ann Harding Cheshire
with beautifully curated clothes, glassware, Home in Northwold continues this legacy. But after many years in the field, Debbie
and home décor. But behind every item is a It’s a place that provides full-time care reached a crossroads.
purpose much bigger than profit. and support for adults living with physical "I felt like I was constantly pushing a
disabilities. The Cheshire Trove exists to concrete ball uphill," she reflects. "I was
A LEGACY THAT STARTED WITH help fund that care. tired of trying to convince people to be
ONE MAN—AND ONE MISSION better and do better. So in July last year, I
The roots of The Cheshire Trove stretch DEBBIE’S STORY: FROM decided to pull the handbrake on my self-
all the way back to Leonard Cheshire, a EMOTIONAL LEARNING TO employed job and take a step back."
decorated World War II pilot who witnessed COMMUNITY UPLIFTMENT
the devastation of war firsthand. When his The Trove’s founder, Debbie Liebenberg, What followed was a time of reset and
mother became disabled, he realised there didn’t set out to run a shop. Her background redirection. After helping her son Bradley,

14 DPL issue 6 2025