Since it was first dreamt up in November 2010, The Free Store located in central Wellington has tried to respond to the excessive food waste from cafes and eateries by collecting it each weekday and offering it to those going hungry in our capital city. As this is a big undertaking for a predominantly volunteer-run enterprise, for the last four years the crew involved has run a tremendously fun Free Store Festival as an annual fundraiser to help cover the costs of maintaining that dream.

A team of passionate people from Blueprint Church have been organising this year’s Festival, headed by Zoë Williams and Tessa Guest. Tessa is hopeful that the culture of The Free Store itself will translate across to the way attendees interact with the Festival this year, “The Free Store is such a vibrant, inclusive place right in the heart of Wellington. People walk past and see that atmosphere every day, and usually don’t leave without a loaf of bread and a smile. I’m hoping our community will receive the same kind of generosity at this year’s festival.”

This year’s event will be held at the Southern Cross bar and restaurant on Sunday the 29th of November, from 3.30-8.30pm. It is a free-entry, all-ages night full of music and fun, and all proceeds from the night go towards being able to run the Free Store for another year. “A lot of people have relied on The Free Store heavily this year just to get by. There’s been so much amazing work that has gone on to support those in need, both in the carpark where they receive food, and in almost every other facet of life. There’s a lot of support still needed, so generosity is needed now more than ever.”

This year the festival includes a great line-up of local bands, a pub quiz, raffles, a barber offering haircuts and the annual limited edition beer which is brewed by Garage Project for the Free Store Festival using ingredients from The Free Store suppliers. An exciting addition to the night for 2020 is a market with stalls from a range of Wellington creators: “I’m so pumped about the market. There’s never been a better time so support local creatives, and it’s timed really well so people can do their Christmas shopping, buy from local makers, and support The Free Store all at once!”

After a difficult year for many of those who depend on The Free Store, not only for food throughout the week but also for connection, the Free Store Festival is a great opportunity to have a fun evening while also getting to contribute to a social enterprise that prioritises those most in need in our community as a reflection of Jesus’ heart for the last, the lost and the least.

For more information, and to stay up to date with the event, follow The Free Store on Facebook and click ‘going’ on the event: https://www.facebook.com/events/802537163903956

By Holly Morton