Thank you! We'll be in touch!
Run a Useful Gifts Shop
What is a Useful Gifts Shop?
A Useful Gifts Shop is a pop-up store where you can sell cards that fund life-changing and poverty-fighting projects in communities around the world.
Each card represents a specific project run by Tearfund’s Christian partners as they help people overcome poverty and injustice. For example, a Chicken card supports food and livelihood initiatives, while a Safe Water card helps provide clean water.
It’s a pop-up shop with a difference: one that celebrates compassion over consumption, and impact over excess. Plus, it’s a fun, easy and impactful way to fight poverty and empower your community to make a difference too.
By setting up a Useful Gifts Shop, you:
- Put your faith into action: Celebrate generosity, empower your community to love their neighbours, and share tangible examples of God’s good news.
- Raise funds and awareness: Help fund transformative community development projects and spread awareness on issues of justice, providing a meaningful alternative to traditional holiday gifts.
- Create lasting impact: Contribute to sustainable change and build on decades of difference-making, shaping a more just and compassionate world, where everyone has what they need to flourish.
How it works
1. Receive your kit
We provide everything you need to get started, including marketing materials, Useful Gift cards, and access to online or physical checkout options.
2. Set up your shop
Easily set up your Useful Gifts Shop in your community or church with our step-by-step guidance and support.
3. Make an impact
Sell cards that fund essential projects like clean water and sustainable livelihoods, making a real difference for communities facing poverty.
Why participate?
Our Useful Gifts Shop Operators love having the chance to engage their communities in making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. It’s a tangible way to put into action the Biblical mandate to love our neighbour, and be changemakers in support of Tearfund and our partners around the world. Useful Gifts Shops also challenge consumerism, reduce waste and encourage meaningful gift-giving – offering a way for everyone to be part of the impact!
Running a shop is just very rewarding and encouraging. The ripples go out, and you’re not just helping one person, you’re helping many – Anne (QLD)
It gives our people joy to know that we are making a difference somewhere – Lorna (VIC)
Running a Useful Gifts Shop can make a huge difference in someone’s life, and that’s a powerful motivation. – Brett (VIC)
See what others have done:
How to get started
Register your interest by submitting the form below, and our team will be in touch. Have a question? Contact our friendly Useful Gifts team on 1800 244 986 or [email protected]
FAQs
How do I set up a Useful Gift shop?
Setting up a Useful Gift shop is simple and straightforward. Once you register your interest, our friendly team will contact you to answer all your questions, and gather some details when you’re ready to get started. We will send you a kit that includes all the necessary materials such as marketing collaterals, gift cards, and online and physical checkout options. You will also receive step-by-step guidance and support from our team to help you set up and run your shop in your community or church.
What support will I receive from Tearfund?
We are here to help you every step of the way, from planning your shop to managing sales and returning unsold cards. This includes an induction process, detailed setup instructions, and ongoing assistance from our friendly team.
How do the gift cards make an impact?
Each gift card sold at a Useful Gifts Shop contributes to sustainable community development projects run by Tearfund and our partners, which address critical needs in vulnerable communities. For example, the Chickens gift supports food and livelihood projects, while Safe Water gift helps fund water and sanitation projects. These projects are designed to create sustainable, long-term change, improving the quality of life for individuals and families.
Can I set up a shop with a group of friends or colleagues?
Absolutely! Setting up a Useful GiftS Shop with friends, family, or colleagues can be a fun and rewarding group activity. Working together allows you to share responsibilities and amplify your impact.
What happens if I have leftover cards after the campaign?
After the campaign ends, any unsold cards can be returned to Tearfund. We will provide you with instructions and materials for returning the cards. It's a straightforward process, and our team is available to assist you if you have any questions or need help with the returns.
What are the benefits of running a Useful Gifts Shop?
Running a Useful Gifts Shop is a wonderful way to put your faith into action, experience the joy of seeing and loving others, and make a meaningful difference in many lives. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to resist consumerism and encourage meaningful giving during the holiday season, aligning your actions with your values and faith.
Do I need any prior experience to run a Useful Gifts Shop?
No prior experience is necessary to run a Useful Gifts Shop – anyone can successfully set up and manage a shop. All you need is a desire to put your faith into action and make a difference.
How much time will I need to dedicate to running a shop?
The amount of time required will vary depending on your availability and how you choose to organise your shop. Some volunteers set up for a few hours on weekends, while others run their shop over several consecutive weeks.