The goal of the Good Shepherd is to reuse things for a continued living and reduce waste. All proceeds from the sale will go to charity. Grants are awarded once a year. It is also a tradition to hold auctions to support a good cause in December each year. About ISK 250 million has been provided in grants since 1996.

The good shepherd creates a large number of jobs and has over the years had a good collaboration with the Directorate of Labor (Employment with support), also with companies such as Virk.