We recently welcomed Benjamin Johnson into the studio from , Wellington.

I have to say that weekly we (as B-Side Stories hosts) are regularly inspired by our guests, but both Mike and I left the studio on Tuesday evening absolutely buzzing from talking to Benjamin. I have since excitedly told everybody I’ve come into contact with today – all about and how it works, and how easy it is to volunteer. What was most compelling was Benjamin’s statements on community ownership of the project and his view of how these small acts of generosity, be it time, money, surpluss food, or skills – they all help create better communities, which in turn create a better New Zealand. If you’re not hooked on listening to the interview already, checkout what Benjamin had to say below.

“It was a small act of generosity, but if every single day, people acted in those sorts of ways, imagine the communities we would be a part of; they’d be so beautiful. What I love about The Free Store – it’s a small, little thing, but I guess it’s a picture of what we hope to see on a bigger scale throughout our communities in New Zealand where people respect each other, care for each other, and are generous with each other, and hopefully – the world will be better because of it.”

Checkout the interview here:

And for more info on The Free Store, checkout: