Kairos Free Store - Food Rescue Parcels

Kairos Free Store is a non-profit, 100% volunteer-based organisation. We were first established in October 2018. This was in response to seeing first-hand how much surplus food was going to waste in our city, as well as wanting to counteract the problem of hunger within our Ōtautahi community. Before COVID-19, our primary goal was to collect surplus food from local cafes and eateries in the Christchurch CBD. We would then hand out this food from Kairos Free Store with a 'no questions asked' policy.

Since the nationwide lockdown, life has dramatically changed for many, and the need for food is more evident. Our heart is to see the hungry with food in their bellies and still be able to pay for their utilities.

We still collect an element of surplus food, but unfortunately, this is hard to come by in our current situation so we are having to buy the majority of our food. We have arranged some very good wholesale pricing on the food we are currently buying in. Kairos has had several one-off donations, both monetary and food that have helped us get this far.

Kairos Free Store is now looking ahead and seeing there is going to be an ongoing need to be able to support people with food. Receiving this money will enable Kairos to continue helping and give us the certainty to do so.

Quotes/comments of people we have supported so far:

"My daughter told me she couldn't sleep last night because she was hungry"

"Currently in isolation after being tested yesterday for COVID-19 and were unable to go anywhere"

"I've been hiding in my room crying because I can't afford to get food"

"We are struggling on the last ration of food"

"I only have enough to pay rent this week"

"I used the last of the flour today to make a cake but that will be gone by tonight"

"Things have been tight since the lock down we haven't asked for help from anyone but now is the time for me to ask as its getting harder"

"I am struggling to feed myself and my dear nephews and niece"

"Thank you for the food parcel you guys dropped off today such a big help. Thanks for your hard work Kairos"

"Thank you so much team! My elderly parents are really appreciated for the box you delivered! Thanks for your kindness"

"Huge Aroha team"

"Amazing stuff"

"What a wonderful service"

"Thank you for helping people with food. God bless you all. Stay safe"

"Just got mine, thank you so much, made my day"

Kairos Trust is pending Charitable Trust status as of 4/3/20