Founded by Lorna Jones a year ago, the Charlotte County Time Bank in southwestern N.B. is helping neighbours exchange skills and build community.

When Lorna Jones fell and broke both of her wrists, she needed some help with everyday tasks around her St. Stephen home. She started the non-profit organization, which lets members exchange skills and services without spending money.

The group allows its members to list their abilities on the organization’s website. For every hour spent helping another member, they earn one credit that can be redeemed for services from someone else in the group. Time banking is a simple way for people to help each other by sharing their time and skills instead of money. The idea was first introduced by American law professor Edgar Cahn in 1980 and has now spread across Canada, the U.S., and the U.K. Members offer activities such as baking, gardening, snow clearing, sewing, or helping with small jobs around the home. It also makes asking for help feel more comfortable because everyone benefits from both giving and receiving their time.

Charlotte County Time Bank board member Sheila Brooks says the program helps people in many different ways, from getting rides to medical appointments to learning how to skateboard, playing board games, and making new friends. The program especially benefits people who may feel lonely or do not have family nearby. The group is already reaching out to people beyond the St. Stephen area, and organizers hope the time-banking program will eventually grow across the province.

Source: Hope Edmond, CBC