An innovative solution to address waste and embrace community.
As a newcomer nervously approached the front desk, Freeforall Founder, Dee-Anne Glentworth prepared to deliver the normal ‘how we work’ spiel.
“It’s $5 entry, but then you can take whatever is on display,” she said, as the woman’s children searched the racks for toys. As the inevitable question came up; "Mum, can I take this home?” the woman paused. “I could see a ‘no’ had formed on her tongue,” says Dee, "she was so used to saying that, but instead, this time, for the first time, she could say ‘yes’.”
It was both a transformational moment for the customer, and a purpose-affirming moment for Dee. For others, a trip to Freeforall isn’t just a shopping opportunity; it’s a dignity-preserving chance for a grandmother to choose a present for their grandchild, an opportunity for families to put sheets on their beds, or clothes on their backs, and a chance for young people to wear the same school jumpers as their peers, when they may never otherwise be able to.
Nikau Foundation team and local Porirua committee volunteers help out sorting clothes at Freeforall.
An innovative solution
Freeforall’s story started when the idea for a progressive, accessible op-shop came to Dee in a dream. Her family had always been in the second-hand business; with both her Mum and Grandparents owning op-shops. She was also an op-shopper herself, so knew what made the business tick from both sides. It was through this background that she knew the opportunities to make op shopping more environmentally friendly and ensure that usable items ended up in the hands of those most in need of them.
“It used to really annoy me to see how many good things get chucked out,” says Dee, “especially when there are so many kiwis going without household basics, like clothing, furniture and toys.”
Freeforall offers a solution, working with many community organisations, including schools, businesses and even other op shops to divert usable items from landfill and redistribute them to the community. “We’re not competition for other op shops,” says Dee, “in fact, we’re a tool for them.”
Items on display at Freeforall’s Auty Lane location in Porirua.
A mana-building culture
With such a large volume of donations coming into their Auty Lane location, Freeforall has to run like a well-oiled machine. Like clockwork, donations are taken out back to be processed, vetted and cleaned, before appearing back on the floor ready to go to good homes. Each volunteer, from the lady on the front desk, to those out back, has their role down. “I don’t tell anyone what to do,” laughs Dee, “who am I to tell someone how to do their job when they can probably do it better than me?”
It is this instilled sense of autonomy and ownership that forms the foundation of Freeforall’s positive, mana-enhancing volunteer culture, and the individual pride that comes with it. “Our volunteers come from different backgrounds,” says Dee, “knowing they can contribute and they’re good at something helps them to realise their worth.”
Transformational Funding
For Freeforall, securing funding means more than just keeping the lights on and the rent paid. “It means that someone cares about what you’re doing,” says Dee, “it means that your work is important.”
To ensure sustainability for Freeforall’s operations, the role of General Manager was transitioned from volunteer to salaried in early 2023. Nikau Foundation was delighted to provide a grant to support this salary from The Tindall Foundation and Nikau’s Porirua Fund. In this next chapter of Freeforall’s operations, the General Manager will focus on increasing their customer base, connecting with other organisations to enhance community collaboration and expanding their reach – with the ultimate goal being to take the Freeforall model further afield.
“Freeforall deserves to be everywhere,” says Dee, “And everywhere deserves a Freeforall.”
