Küsnacht is one of my favourite places to go for a walk with Tommy. You have access to a great lake-side playground and a town full of beautiful architecture and an array of independent shops. On one of my recent walks, I passed a striking wooden building called The Freihof. After a quick Google, I learned that really important and special work takes place inside. The Freihof supports people with mental illness, substance abuse, and/or limited access to the job market. It offers open-access programmes for people who have committed crimes. As a social institution, it relies on donations, both non-material and financial to help investments and projects. By supporting social integration and work therapy, you will give people a chance to find meaningful work, get better and contribute to society. You can donate here.
The Freiraum Küsnacht
Within a short distance of The Freihof, you will find their shop and open space. It has recently undergone and a renovation and this airy and bright space, showcases the work of people who are attending the Freihof. It felt so good to explore the shop and you can feel the energy that has gone into each product, knowing that they were made in a protective work environment.
Easter treats & gifting
If you are a fan of Easter and decorations, look no further! Tommy instantly fell in love with a green bunny that he held closely in his buggy while I browsed. We have very good friends moving back to the UK soon, so I picked up a handcrafted wooden chopping board, colourful Easter bunnies for their six-year old twins and decorations for our own home.
The next time you need stationery or a thoughtful gift for a loved one, I urge you to come here. The items you will find are so carefully curated and I particularly liked wooden soap dishes. A really helpful employee explained that the dishes and soap were made by women in a female prison. Each product has a story waiting to be told. You will not leave empty handed and anything you buy will support the ethos of The Freihof, which is working on the future and providing vital support to those who need it.
Find out more about the ethos and work of The Freihof here.