Renuka Fernando and Ben Stammer

Co-founders, ReLove

2025 NSW Local Hero Nominee

Renuka Fernando and Ben Stammer were friends in a Sydney running group. As part of their ‘Run for Good Project’, they helped five women from a domestic violence shelter set up homes in social housing. Renuka and Ben collected good quality furniture and put the call out for donations.  

The experience opened their eyes to the critical needs of vulnerable people when they move into safe housing. So, in 2020, the charity ReLove was born.  

Renuka and Ben have since furnished homes for more than 2,000 families, providing over $20 million worth of furniture. 

ReLove has become a leading support service for people in crisis who need to set up a home from scratch. Renuka and Ben provide good quality rescued furniture and household items at no cost to 25 families each week. They have made exceptional contributions to the lives of at-risk Australians through generous compassion and practical support.