The Wise Foundation believes that all people and communities should have the opportunity to achieve economic independence through business. Our core mission is, ‘To strengthen communities through assisting the creation of innovative economic models.’

Based in Melbourne, Australia, the Wise Foundation was formed in April 2008 to further the community development and social commitments of The Body Shop Australia, the Adidem group of companies and the Wise family.

The Wise Foundation is a registered Tax Concession Charity for the purpose of assisting marginalised people achieve meaningful participation in the community.

Pop in to our Pop-up Store!

Buffed Elisa Carollo and Emma Goodwin, from the Wise Foundation, unpacking ahead of the store opening.

The Wise Foundation is delighted to announce a new venture with the international shoes and shades brand TOMS.

For the month of September, the TOMS range will be sold in a pop-up store at Manchester Lane, in Melbourne’s CBD, with all proceeds going towards the good works of the Wise Foundation. TOMS is renowned, not just as a purveyor of great shoes and shades, but for its ‘One for One’ commitment – for every pair of shoes TOMS sells anywhere in the world it donates another pair to a child in need. Great shoes (and shades) and two great causes. What more could you ask for?

It’s not often you can shop and proudly declare that EVERYONE’S A WINNER! Please tell your friends and networks, and swing past to say hello.
The store is being run by volunteers from the
Adidem Group, and we look forward to seeing you
there!

WHEN: Monday, 2 September to 8 October (Mon-Wed and Sat 10-5pm,Thur-Fri 10-6pm)
WHERE: Corner of Flinders Lane and Manchester Lane, Melbourne CBD

 

The future is looking Buffed

Buffed Chairman of the Wise Foundation Graeme Wise and Bank Of Queensland Managing Director and CEO Stuart Grimshaw getting Buffed at the Brisbane launch

Buffed, Australia’s first social franchise, provides the means for individuals who are long-term unemployed or underemployed to secure their own futures through small business ownership.

Buffed offers shoe shine and leather cleaning services from portable stands located within commercial office towers, boutique retail arcades and key transport nodes.

The Wise Foundation launched Buffed to create real business opportunities for people whose employment outlook is limited – such as recently arrived migrants, people with unstable health, or those who lack the basic skills required for mainstream employment. Buffed provides high-level support for franchisees through no-interest loans, business mentorship and dynamic marketing to ensure franchisees have the best chance of creating successful businesses.

Franchisee training focuses on more than just shoe care. Buffed emphasises customer service and business training and development to ensure that franchisees are assisted in both their short-term and long-term futures.

Buffed was launched in Brisbane in November 2011 and has stands in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

Buffed was launched by founding partners Bank of Queensland, University of Queensland Business School and The Body Shop. Each site is owned and operated by individuals through a franchise agreement.

Visit www.buffed.org.au or call 07 3211 7601.