09-05-2025
Bringing Art Home—and Warmth Too: Turua Gallery 2025 'Fill The Truck Challenge' For Give A Kid A Blanket Charity
Turua Gallery is proud to once again partner with the grassroots charity Give a Kid a Blanket for its annual Fill the Truck Challenge —an initiative that reflects the gallery's deep commitment to community, compassion, and connection.
Since its inception 11 years ago, Give a Kid a Blanket, founded by artists Bernie Harfleet and Donna Turtle Sarten, has delivered tens of thousands of warm items to families across Tāmaki Makaurau. Their mission is simple yet powerful: no child should go to bed cold. Although its name focuses on children, the charity supports entire families—often multi-generational households—by providing quality warm bedding, clothing and sleepwear to help them get through winter with dignity and care.
Turua Gallery owners Liss and Dean Wallace, alongside their whānau, have supported the charity from the very beginning. For the past three years, they've turned their gallery collection into a celebration of generosity by hosting the Fill the Truck Challenge. Each year, thanks to community support, they've filled a whole truck with warmth—and this May, they're inviting the public to help them do it again.
'Together we can, and together we will,' says Liss, quoting renowned conservationist Jane Goodall. 'That quote sits at the heart of everything we're doing. Whether you bring one pair of socks or a carload of blankets, you're making a difference.' She adds.
Collection Dates:
Now – Saturday 24th May
Drop donations to Turua Gallery, 10A Turua Street, St Heliers.
Fill the Truck Challenge Event:
Saturday 24 May | 9am–2pm
Carpark opposite Turua Gallery, 10A Turua Street, St Heliers
Enjoy live street music from Chris Bates, followed by Jazz Patterson, and a community sausage sizzle.
What to Donate:
New or excellent condition pre-loved items in all sizes:
Blankets, sleeping bags, duvet inners & covers, sheets & pillowslips
PJ's, dressing gowns, baby sleep sacks, beanies, socks, jumpers
Winter & rain coats
Cots, bassinets, pushchairs, car seats (excellent condition only)
New pillows and hot water bottles only
Handmade quilts and knitted goodies are in demand (and are much loved as these are very cherished).
As a gallery that prides itself on making contemporary art accessible and relatable, Turua Gallery is more than just a place to view beautiful works—it's a home for shared values. From Twilight Viewings that welcome the community into relaxed evening exhibitions, to its celebration of Aotearoa's landscapes & Contemporary art and support of both emerging and established artists, Turua Gallery is committed to bringing art—and kindness—into everyday life.
'We believe art should be something that lives with us,' says Liss. 'That same spirit drives this annual appeal. It's about community, creativity, and caring for one another.'
For those who want to help, now is the perfect time to clean out cupboards, sort the drawers, or head to the shops and pick up a little something that could mean a lot to someone else this winter.
''Let's fill the truck—and fill hearts—together.'' Liss adds.
