By Amy Woodard
Buy Nothing Canada is a Facebook network of local groups which promote community by encouraging individuals to give to each other, ask for what they need from their community, and express their gratitude. It's all run by volunteers at various levels of management. While each group is local, it is part of a global network. It's much more than just 'free stuff.'
Buy Nothing Canada is a Facebook network of local groups which promote community by encouraging individuals to give to each other, ask for what they need from their community, and express their gratitude. It's all run by volunteers at various levels of management. While each group is local, it is part of a global network. It's much more than just 'free stuff.'
“A gifting economy frees up resources, reduces waste, allows us to minimize single-use. In this way, we are better stewards of our community, our planet. We are better neighbours. We are agents whose actions are rooted in principles of compassion, kindness, love and equality,” writes LaTonya M. Baldwin, Volunteer Administrator for the Buy Nothing Project.
I have personally enjoyed meeting new people (from a good social distance) and learning about their lives through interactions in this group. I've met other moms who I probably would not have met since we are all stuck at home. When the weather and COVID guidelines allowed, I was able to invite them to participate in the community.
Recently, my son came to me with a hole in his boot. I asked for boots and was so impressed that within a couple days someone had brought me a pair and left them by my door! I was so grateful that I didn't have to go out to stores to find a pair. It felt good to know that people in our community care for each other and are willing to help out. Sometimes it's hard to set aside my own pride to ask for things in the group, but once I get past that, it really is rewarding and fun to receive and give to people in our community.
Have I convinced you yet? You can likely find a group near you! We now have five groups in Albert County. Search for these on Facebook:
Riverview: facebook.com/groups/1228725300577624
Riverside-Albert: facebook.com/groups/2594911640726027
Hillsborough: facebook.com/groups/2655759504473651
Turtle Creek: facebook.com/groups/buynothingturtlecreek
Salisbury: facebook.com/groups/186311062745019
If you want to start a group for Elgin, please contact me on Facebook messenger. I hope you'll invite your friends, have fun and get to know others in your community!
I have personally enjoyed meeting new people (from a good social distance) and learning about their lives through interactions in this group. I've met other moms who I probably would not have met since we are all stuck at home. When the weather and COVID guidelines allowed, I was able to invite them to participate in the community.
Recently, my son came to me with a hole in his boot. I asked for boots and was so impressed that within a couple days someone had brought me a pair and left them by my door! I was so grateful that I didn't have to go out to stores to find a pair. It felt good to know that people in our community care for each other and are willing to help out. Sometimes it's hard to set aside my own pride to ask for things in the group, but once I get past that, it really is rewarding and fun to receive and give to people in our community.
Have I convinced you yet? You can likely find a group near you! We now have five groups in Albert County. Search for these on Facebook:
Riverview: facebook.com/groups/1228725300577624
Riverside-Albert: facebook.com/groups/2594911640726027
Hillsborough: facebook.com/groups/2655759504473651
Turtle Creek: facebook.com/groups/buynothingturtlecreek
Salisbury: facebook.com/groups/186311062745019
If you want to start a group for Elgin, please contact me on Facebook messenger. I hope you'll invite your friends, have fun and get to know others in your community!
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