The Offene Arme Free Shop opened on a remote site in June 2020 during the Covid pandemic when the team was no longer allowed to attend landings or go into Vial. In December 2021, it moved to its current location at the OA warehouse in response to a reduction of refugee numbers on the island and financial constraints. Throughout this time, the Free Shop has offered supplies to all new arrivals, and has invited the whole refugee population to seasonal distributions.
In the Free Shop registered asylum seekers have the opportunity to come and shop for a wide selection of clothes, hygiene products and more. The shop is stocked with the generous donations that we received and items purchased with the funding that was kindly gifted to us. Volunteers will be in the shop helping customers with their needs while also keeping the shop neat and tidy.
WINTER DISTRIBUTION 2023
As the months got colder we undertook our Winter Distribution in the shop as well as continuing to serve all new arrivals on the island. Asylum Seekers and refugees living in Vial were invited into the Free Shop to chose clothing items, such as warm jackets, jumpers, and shoes that will last them through the winter months.
If you wish to donate to help support us through the winter distribution, please us the PayPayl link or Bank transfer information below.
Please Ensure to label your donation “Winter Distribution”.
For PayPal:
http://www.paypal.me/offenearme
For Bank Transfer: