Restore the free store wellington

On June 11, The Free Store made the difficult decision to close its doors, citing ongoing challenges with staffing and funding.

While the organization has expressed openness to transitioning its infrastructure, relationships, and systems to another trusted Wellington charity, this marks a significant turning point—one that risks forgetting the humble, community-driven beginnings of The Free Store 15 years ago.

In 2024 alone, The Free Store rescued 42,000 kilograms of food, contributed to 126,000 kilograms of CO₂-equivalent emissions reductions, and enabled 15,000 hours of volunteer service.

This closure is not only a loss for local food security, but also for the dedicated volunteers who have tirelessly kept the initiative alive—pounding the pavement in all weather to collect and distribute food.

We want to raise funds to purchase and revive The Free Store as a fully volunteer-run initiative, returning it to its roots as the visionary art project it once was.