SOFT TOY ADOPTION AGENCY 'WE FIND THEIR FOREVER HOMES!

An Auckland family's good idea is stuffed with love

- CARLY Globs

Sammy Hill never thought her interest in op-shopping would lead her to rehome unloved cuddly critters, but that's exactly what she's doing with partner Harry Paul.

The Auckland couple is the brains behind Once Loved, Twice Hugged, a social enterprise dedicated to collecting and repurposing unwanted soft toys.

“Cuddlys” are sourced secondhand, repaired, then given a “hug and refresh” makeover, before being sold online or donated to charities, accompanied by a personalised story card and adoption certificate.

Although their eco-friendly business is relatively new, Sammy, 41, and Harry have already rehomed more than 1700 toys and 1000 more are in their garage waiting to be fixed up to go to their forever homes.

Sammy says what started as a passion project to keep old toys out of landfill quickly gained momentum. Luckily, her softhearted beau has been on board since day one.

Sammy recalls, “We were sitting in bed one night and I came up with this idea, and he said, ‘Right, let's do it! I call him my Action Man because I have the ideas and he puts things into action.”

While the 42-year-old career firefighter says he jokingly got a “bit of stick from the boys” at work for his unlikely side-hustle, he insists it’s all been worth it.