Williamstown women Ali Campbell and Virginia Millard have established Australia’s first ‘Give.Take.Stand’ modelled on a German initiative called the Give Box.
The stand, in the foyer of Williamstown library until April 11, is a walk-in box where people can place items for others or take things for themselves.
Ms Campbell said it was part of a growing international community movement celebrating a cashless economy and recycling unwanted items.
“We saw it as an entity happening in Europe, in Germany in particular … and we thought, this looks fantastic to have in our community – let’s do it,” she said.
“It’s quite a movement. In Germany, they’re open 24 hours; they’re just there on the street.
“We hope to have a street version up and running soon. This is more of an indoor version; it’s not weather-proof. We love it for its sustainability. It’s recycling items that might otherwise go to waste.
“It’s a cashless economy thing, so it’s all about just sharing and not worrying about who owns what.
“If you don’t need it, give it away. You don’t need to get any money for it; just be happy for it to be used again.”
People can also sign a gratitude book at the stand.
For more information, visit the Give.Take.Stand Facebook page.
