Timebanking is a way of gifting skills in a community. Every member of our community has valuable talents and abilities to offer.

Dunedin TimeBank allows you to share these talents with others without paying money for the time given and received. The time is recorded through the Dunedin TimeBank website so that we know about the kinds of positive impacts we are having in the community. Although hours are recorded, there is no requirement to ‘pay back’ hours received. Instead, ‘paying forward’ is encouraged. There is no requirement to ‘earn’ someone else’s time before you can receive assistance and there is no penalty for having received more than you have given, because we recognise that some people have more to give and some people have greater needs, and that this can change over time. We also know that giving benefits the giver as well as the receiver, as long as there is reciprocity available within the community and the giver is able to ask for assistance and have their needs met as well.

Strengthen communities 

It creates and promotes wellbeing, helping communities flourish and thrive. It’s about having a vibrant, healthy, interconnected local community.

Networking

It attracts people who might not normally be interested in traditional volunteer work and, therefore, creates a large network of unconditional sharing and care between members.

Harness mutual support

It offers not only a sense of belonging that benefits everyone but provides much-needed help to the community. From small to large tasks, everyone can be supported by and support others with their own skills, talents and time.

Skill sharing

It allows members to learn from one another and share skills and talents that normally would not be used. It creates classrooms outside of schools and learning opportunities in everyday lives.