When I first started Merry People in 2014, I knew I wanted to do business in a way that would have a positive impact on the world.
Initially considering making Merry People a social enterprise, I learned from Nick Pearce (Co-Founder & CEO of a Melbourne-based social enterprise called HoMie - a man who funnily enough later became my husband!) about the challenges of running a social enterprise, particularly in regard to balancing social and commercial requirements.
With limited resources, I focused on making Merry People profitable first. Making a positive impact meant being a good employer, looking after my staff, treating all people kindly (including customers, stakeholders & suppliers) & creating quality products in a way that considers people and the environment.
It's incredibly important to me to support and give back to local communities, as our community has enabled us to grow in the first place! I'm very pleased to say that now, as a profitable business, we support various charities and causes in our community.
Kindest,
Dani Pearce - Founder
Organisations we support
The Mother Day Classic
The Mothers Day Classic raises money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and since 1994, the five year survival rate has gone from 74% to 92%.
Support: Over a period leading up to Mothers Day (in Australia) we donated 20% of Dusty Pink sales to the Mothers Day Classic and raised $50,000 for breast cancer research.
Bridge It
Bridge It is a Melbourne-based not-for-profit charity creating safe, affordable accommodation, education, and employment pathways for women from and gender-diverse people between the ages of 17 – 21 experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Support: Since 2023, Merry People has helped fund the creation of The Cocoon’s community garden, a new support role within the Cocoon team and renovations to establish Cocoon #2.
Heide Museum
Heide is a public art museum and sculpture park located on a stretch of the Birrarung/Yarra River that has long served as a meeting point and as a creative hub.
Support: Maintenance of the grounds.
Thread Together
Thread Together is a social enterprise that allocate brand new clothing and footwear to charity organisations and causes around Australia who need it.
Support: In 2022 Merry People donated 1,400 boots to flood affected areas around Australia. In 2025, over 3,500 boots have also been donated to communities affected by floods and we continue to work closely with Thread Together when, and where, support is most needed.
Community Fundraisers
We love supporting our local communities to achieve their goals through our boots as raffle prizes. If you are a school, kindergarten, childcare, sporting club, hospital, charity, or community group, please reach out at support@merrypeople.com and we may be able to help. (Please include a letter from the registered charity or organisation you’re fundraising for.)