Have a Heart’s Community Store is switching to a volunteer model and will close for two weeks as it makes the transition.

A significant operating loss in the past financial year and ongoing financial constraints have forced Have a Heart to reassess how it runs the King Street store.

The change to a volunteer model means store manager Maggie McKenzie has been made redundant.  

Ms McKenzie has managed op shops in the location for 10 years for Have a Heart and before that the SPCA.

Have a Heart founder Chris Barnard said the shop would be open as usual tomorrow, then close for sales from July 7 until July 22.

“Sadly, we are letting Maggie go and reopening with a team of volunteers,” he said.

“We appreciate all Maggie has done for us, and this is not her fault. Her faithful dedication helped shape this shop into what it is.”

He said like other retail stores in Kopeopeo, the Community Store was battling a tough economic climate.

Donations will continue to be accepted during the closure and can be delivered to the back of the store. For pick-ups, donators can call 0508 432 784.

Have a Heart has already found a handful of volunteers but is looking for more to join the team.