(haipo) Women and men facing employment barriers took to an extraordinary fashion runway in Haifa yesterday (Tuesday, 12/13/26) as part of the opening of the new logistics center of the second-hand chain Dandsha. The show emphasized the power of fashion as a tool for personal expression, empowerment, and creating equal opportunities.
A slightly different fashion runway took place today, Tuesday, 10/13/26 in Haifa, centered on women and men dealing with employment barriers, who took to the runway and presented a statement that style, presence and personal expression are not reserved for a specific group, but belong to everyone. The show was held as part of the opening of the new logistics center of Dandsha, a second-hand clothing chain operated by people dealing with employment barriers. The event was also attended by service recipients from the "Shkulo Tov" group.
From working behind the scenes to the front of the runway
The fashion show that took place yesterday (Tuesday, 10/13/26) in Haifa showcased not only second-hand clothing items, but also the people behind the daily activities of the Dandsha chain. About 15 women and men who face employment barriers due to mental or physical disabilities walked the runway, after they normally deal with receiving clothes, sorting them and preparing them for sale. The event was also attended by about 65 additional service recipients who are partners in the chain's activities.
In preparation for the show, participants selected their clothing items together with the team of instructors and the space manager, according to their preferences and personal taste. All items displayed on the runway came from Dandsha stores, making the event an opportunity to express personal style, confidence, and aspirations for the future.
New center in Haifa expands the chain's activities
Dandsha's new northern logistics center expands the chain's activities, which until now focused on women's fashion, to include men's and children's clothing. Alongside commercial activities, the center serves as an employment framework that integrates service recipients eligible for a rehabilitation basket from the Ministry of Health and people receiving services from the Disability Administration at the Ministry of Social Affairs.
Work at the center includes receiving second-hand items, sorting, quality control, washing, ironing, and preparing the clothes for sale. In the chain's stores, employees also experience arranging items, working at the checkout, in customer service, and in sales. The experience is accompanied by professional teams and is designed to develop professional and interpersonal skills, strengthen the sense of competence, and help participants progress toward integration into the open labor market.
"I want to help others"
One of the participants in the exhibition was born with cerebral palsy and uses crutches. After years of working in administrative positions and coordinating telephone appointments, she looked for a new job and joined Dandsha, with the support of the "Everything is Good" group. She currently works at the online position, where she enters items that have been photographed into the computer system for sale. Alongside her current work, she wants to continue to develop professionally and help people facing similar challenges.
"My dream is to find a job in the free market and work with people with disabilities. I want to contribute from my experience and help others. It would give me great satisfaction," she said.
An opportunity to learn, develop and progress
Another contestant, who also has cerebral palsy, joined Dandsha about two years ago after working in a factory and looking for a more challenging and interesting occupation. As part of her work, she learned to fold clothes and sort them by color, as part of her professional experience in the field.
The participants' stories illustrate how a supportive employment framework can enable the acquisition of skills, experience in various roles, and the building of a personal path toward a professional future.
Second-hand fashion with social value
Alongside its business activities, the Dandsha chain offers a variety of fashion items, including everyday clothing, vintage items, designer clothing and well-known brands, along with accessories. Prices range from 20 to 100 shekels per item, and the inventory is regularly renewed after sorting, quality control and preparation for sale.
The inauguration of the new center in Haifa marks the expansion of the chain's activities in the north, combining second-hand fashion with the creation of employment opportunities for people facing barriers in the labor market.
For the participants in the show, taking to the runway was an opportunity to step out of the backstage work for a moment and present their personal style to the audience. For Dandsha, it is a process that combines business expansion with social activity, which seeks to enable each person to develop their abilities, realize their aspirations and find their place in the world of work.
Hani Yitzhaki, VP of Marketing of the Shekholo Tov Group: "The opening of Dandsha's third store in the Haifa area, on an area of 300 square meters and with an investment of millions of shekels, reflects the growing demand from customers and the trust they place in the chain. With a nationwide distribution of 13 branches, Dandsha strengthens its position as one of the leading second-hand fashion chains in Israel, and continues to drive a change in consumer habits, offering a rich and changing selection and a shopping experience of high standards."
Where are the stores in Haifa?