Our Project Aim

We urgently need £40,000 in 5 weeks to save Refurnish – keeping our charity shops open, cutting carbon, and reducing waste across Devon.

Our Story

Refurnish has been part of our community for over two decades, giving people access to affordable household goods, reducing waste, and creating opportunities for those who need them most, but just as importantly, Refurnish is a climate action project at heart. Today, everything we’ve built is under threat. Without urgent help, our shops and services could disappear. 

Why Refurnish Matters 

Every year, Refurnish: 

• Diverts over 500 tonnes (130,000 items) of furniture and household goods from landfill saving thousands of tonnes of carbon and protecting the planets resources. By keeping goods in use for longer, we reduce waste, cut emissions, and make low carbon living accessible to everyone.
• Creates jobs for 37 people and provides volunteering opportunities for 70+ people each year, including those overcoming challenges like unemployment, disability, or social isolation. 
• Supports low-income households with affordable furniture and appliances, giving a further 20% discount to people on benefits – and providing items completely free to those who fall through the cracks of other support systems. 
• Reduces waste and saves carbon – over the last 10 years alone, we’ve reused and diverted more than 5,000 tonnes of household goods from landfill. 

But Refurnish is more than a reuse charity. We’re a safety net, a lifeline, and a source of dignity and hope for thousands of people across Devon when life gets tough. 

The Difference We Make 

Because of your support, Refurnish is able to step in when people have nowhere else to turn by providing:

• Free school uniforms, shoes and GCSE books so children can start school with the uniform and tools they need
• Free children’s items (clothes, toys, books, games, DVDs) during the summer holidays
• Free smart clothing for unemployed people, giving them confidence for attending job interviews
• Free bedding and warm clothes for people facing homelessness 
• Baby and children’s clothing for those fleeing violence
• Essential household goods to care leavers, homeless people, families in crisis and people with disabilities, through partnerships with social services, housing associations and local charities

We also reduce social isolation by providing a supportive, purposeful environment for volunteers. Many gain confidence, skills and friendships – and some move into employment at Refurnish or elsewhere.

Why we need your help now

Refurnish operates 8 charity reuse shops across Devon. These are not just shops – they’re hubs of support, sustainability and community resilience. 

We are so passionate about the service we provide, and the difference that we make to so many people's lives, but rising costs mean we’re at a breaking point. Without urgent support, Refurnish cannot continue to provide this invaluable service. 

We’re asking for your help to raise £40,000 in 5 weeks to survive.

This funding will: 

• Keep our doors open so thousands of people in need can still access affordable essentials
• Strengthen our online presence, so more people hear about our work and donate
• Help us build a future where Refurnish is sustainable for the long term

Why this matters for climate action

♻️ Waste reduction & carbon saving: Reusing 500+ tonnes of goods each year prevents new products being manufactured, cutting emissions at source

👥 Community climate resilience: We make sustainable living affordable, especially for low-income households

🌱 Engaging people in climate action: Our staff, volunteers and thousands of customers take part in everyday climate action by reusing and recycling at Refurnish

💚 Building a circular economy: By keeping resources in circulation, we reduce dependency on finite materials

How You Can Help 

 This is our moment to come together as a community. Every donation – no matter the size – will help keep Refurnish alive. 

By donating today, you’ll be:
✨Ensuring local families can furnish their homes affordably
✨ Reducing poverty and supporting vulnerable people
✨ Saving thousands of tonnes from landfill and cutting carbon
✨ Protecting local jobs and volunteering opportunities that change lives

➡️ We only have 5 weeks to raise £40,000 – but with your support, we can do it! 

Please, donate today and help us keep Refurnish open for the community that needs it.

Thank you for caring, thank you for sharing – and from the bottom of our hearts,  thank you for helping us save Refurnish!