Lifestyle
Christmas Giving: ReLove spreads joy and hope, all year round
ReLove gives second chances to both furniture and people, making every home a sanctuary – and every item a symbol of support.
By Bron Maxabella
When you’re starting over after a crisis, an empty house just doesn’t feel like home. That’s where ReLove steps in.
“The idea for ReLove came when we learned that when people facing housing crises finally secure a home, they lack the basic furniture and essentials to feel truly settled and safe. Ren and I wanted to change that—to provide more than just items and furniture, but dignity and comfort for families during tough times,” says ReLove co-founder Ben Stammer, who started the charity with Renuka Fernando in 2019.
Filling hearts and empty spaces
The friends saw the problem first-hand: too many people moving into empty spaces, with nothing to make them feel like home. They started driving around in a rented van, collecting furniture they found on the side of the road to distribute to shelters in their local area. Now, they’re furnishing homes for around 200 families each year, including 100 children each month.
“With strong community and corporate partnerships, we've moved from small-scale support to impactful alliances,” notes Ren. “Our recent move to a new warehouse in Alexandria has also boosted our capacity, allowing us to reach even more people in need.”
They’ve essentially transformed “one man’s trash” into much-needed comfort for women, children, and people transitioning to stability. With ReLove, those in need get more than just shelter – they get comfort and dignity.
Feeling valued and supported
“ReLove [provides] essential household items and furniture to families through our Free Store. Our clients get to ‘shop’ for their own items, bringing a sense of normalcy and security, especially to women and children escaping domestic violence, as well as women over 50 experiencing homelessness for the first time,” explains Ren. “Everyone deserves a safe, comfortable home and we aim to ease their financial and emotional burdens by helping them feel valued and supported.”
Their Free Store is a shopper’s dream, stocked with linens, lamps, and everything else you need to create a cosy, comforting home – minus the price tag. No paperwork or story-sharing needed, just a chance for people to choose what they want with privacy and dignity.
Lasting, sustainable support
This year has brought major wins for ReLove. Ben and Ren were honoured to be nominated for the Australian of the Year - NSW Local Heroes Award. And their new partnerships and community initiatives have helped divert over 2,000 tonnes of furniture from landfills, bringing them closer to their sustainability goals and expanding their impact for those in need.
“Our biggest challenge is keeping up with growing demand sustainably,” says Ben. “As awareness spreads, so does the need for our support, which requires ongoing funding and resources to maintain our service quality without compromise.”
If they could have one Christmas wish this year, it is this: lasting support to sustain the ReLove mission year-round.
“Every donation, big or small, helps us bring comfort and stability to families in need – not just this season, but for the future,” explains Ren. “$50 buys a kitchen set, $100 buys new linen, and $500 can help a woman furnish a new home. Ongoing support lets us plan ahead and be ready whenever a family needs us most.”
From saved furniture to heartfelt help, ReLove is truly a win-win: keeping quality items out of landfill while turning houses into homes for those who desperately need a comforting place to rest.
Want to give this Christmas?
Help power this mission to spread kindness and dignity. Visit ReLove to learn more or get involved!
Feature image: ReLove founders Ben Stammer and Renuka Fernando, supplied.
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