Saturday, September 11, 2010

reverse finds

It's reverse finds day today! See my first post over here if you're wondering what I'm talking about...

One of things I had hoped to gain from reverse finds (as well as a less-cluttered home...) was a wider knowledge of ways to move things out of our house, beyond the trusty op-shop (though of course, the op-shop will always be a favourite, the inevitable problem is my tendency to walk out with more than I walk in with...). One of my wishes was to find places I could donate things to directly.

Fortuitously, I recently discovered that an old uni friend of mine works with a local organisation that actually seeks out donations in kind - The St Kilda Gatehouse.

This is who they are (in their words):

"St Kilda Gatehouse is a not for profit organisation which works alongside those who are marginalised and have life controlling addictions, particularly street sex workers. It provides a strong sense of community and belonging in a safe, non-stigmatised environment. For many who come from a background of abuse and poverty it is a source of dignity and hope – where they can find the support and care needed as they attempt to build a life off the streets and beyond drug addiction."

They provide support in many creative ways, from a weekly barbecue, to an annual "sleep-in", to a netball team, to counselling, support groups and crisis care.

They have a list over here of the stuff they often need - from clothes to furniture to paper bags...


I had a look around our place, and found some good clothes that have stayed good over a long time... because they don't actually fit!


I also noticed a huge box under the bed... cutlery given to us at our wedding nearly 5 years ago. I decided it was time to start using it, and packed up the old, basic, but still perfectly good cutlery to give away. A quick email to St Kilda Gatehouse confirmed this would be useful to them, so I packed it up and dropped it all in.

Would you like to join in too? I know Susan has already - hooray! Pop in a link below so we can all cheer each other on...

By the way, I'd originally planned to do a reverse finds post once a month (and this link will be open for a month) - is this a good frequency, or should we try weekly? Let me know in the comments...

Edited to add: I've decided to try for a weekly reverse find throughout Spring (every Saturday) - anyone can join in, any week that suits them!



5 comments:

emma @ frog, goose and bear said...

great idea! i like the idea of reverse finds. i'm in a spring cleaning mood this morning. Just cleaned the whole kitchen, off to clean out the overflowing plastics cupboard now.

Makeminemidcentury said...

They're good practical things to give!

Snooze said...

Sorry to be a nag ... I just love the idea. I'm going to try for each week because I'm afraid if I have to leave it to once a month something will get in the way but I'll leave it up to you as to frequency. Are you going to do something each week? Your idea re cutlery is a good one. My drawers are overflowing. Maybe next week.

Loo xx from Jumbles and Pompoms said...

Brilliant idea! I'm hopeless at decluttering and love to hoard but I'm going to have a rummage and play along.

Alison said...

Sounds like a great idea. I am currently trying to do a huge cull for our school fete next month. Let's see what I can part with.