Wellington, 9 November 2012

The Wellington Timebank is turning one and it’s time to celebrate!

Over the last year the Wellington Timebank has swelled to 180 members with 450 hours traded. There is now a mighty community of people rich in skills with the desire to share them with others. There appears to be no task too small or great for timebankers.

Timebanking is a reciprocal form of exchange which aims to strengthen a community by offering one’s skills and services in return for time credits. Every hour you spend helping someone out, you can ‘cash in’ by receiving an hour from someone in return. Everyone’s time is valued equally.

The most popular services in the Timebank have been acupressure massage, garden advice, making green cleaning products and hairdressing. Timebank members have also supported each other in the form of companionship or going to WINZ appointments. More hands-on trades have involved DIY at home, motorcycle maintenance and learning how to change the oil in a car.

More than anything the Timebank has proven to be a way for people to connect and get to know each other. “I have noticed so many connections and friendships that have resulted from people meeting each other through the timebank. There is even a fledgling romance blooming!” says Hannah, coordinator of the Timebank. “The timebank connects people in a way that is meaningful. They know that the exchange is going to be based on mutual respect and people enjoy being able to share their skills with others.”

The Timebank has linked up with community organisations throughout Wellington. Earlier in the year, the M12 class at Island Bay School established its own timebank. “The kids were so enthusiastic about the opportunity to learn from each other”, says Hannah.

The Wellington Timebank is going to celebrate its first birthday with a BBQ at the Island Bay Community Centre. Commonsense Organics is generously donating food for the event. The Troubles, a lively and character-filled jazz band, will be playing live. Kids will be entertained by a storyteller with tales of magic and mystery. There will be an award ceremony to acknowledge volunteers and outstanding timebankers with the certificates to be presented by Mayor Celia Wade-Brown.

Details of the event:

Sunday 25 November, 3pm-6pm

Island Bay Community Centre

BBQ, The Troubles live, kids entertainment & award ceremony (with Mayor Celia Wade-Brown)

All welcome – contact Hannah on wgtn.timebank@gmail.com

Ends

© Scoop Media