#169 The accidental charity, Ren Fernando co-founder of ReLove

Ren Fernando joins Purposely to share her journey as a co-founder, starting ReLove. ReLove might be considered an accidental charity, as Ren and her co-founder Ben Stammer didn't set out with the explicit intention to start a nonprofit organisation. However, as you'll hear, their mission was always to make a positive and long-lasting impact. The Australian-based charity are focused on creating homes for those in need while addressing the pressing issue of environmental waste. Since 2019, ReLove has been providing essential household items to vulnerable individuals, including survivors of domestic violence, people experiencing homelessness, and those seeking asylum. The charity's goal revolves around empowerment and sustainability, and their innovative approach has proven to be effective. The inception of ReLove was rather unexpected. Ren and Ben initially started a free running group called the "Run for Good Project," with the aim of blending fitness with social good. This project had no direct connection to what ReLove stands for today. In 2019, they organized an initiative to raise awareness about homelessness, shedding light on the challenges people face when searching for food and shelter. This early project laid the foundation for ReLove's core mission. In 2020, during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ren and Ben took a significant step. They had already established a close relationship with the Women and Girls Emergency Centre, an organization assisting women experiencing homelessness and domestic violence. Witnessing the dire circumstances and recognizing the need for support, the duo took action, giving birth to the idea of ReLove. This unique approach empowers individuals as they transition into safe housing. The heart of ReLove's mission is the "ReLove Free Store," a 2000-square-meter warehouse designed to resemble a traditional shopping experience, with one crucial difference: everything is free. Ren and Ben work directly with clients who are on the verge of accessing safe housing, providing them with essential household items. This assistance helps them navigate the challenging transition into their new, independent lives. The belief behind this approach is that offering tangible support and a helping hand at this critical moment can make a significant difference. Ren and Ben's unintentional charity not only provides practical support to people in crisis but also exemplifies that a small idea, fueled by determination and compassion, can create profound positive change.