‘SHARING is caring’ is a common phrase, but it has been brought to life by the community in a Borders town.
Innerleithen’s Swap and Share Shed, at the back of the Co-Op car park, was officially opened this week and has been warmly received by residents.
Drawing on their existing sharing shed in Walkerburn, the Tweeddale Action Group (TAG) grew the idea of a swap and share shed for Innerleithen where residents, no matter their circumstances, can help one another.
Items ranging from books and DVDs to toiletries and food can be swapped, donated, or taken 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Innerleithen community councillor Gordon Daly said: “The shed is looking great just now and there are lots of people supporting it by borrowing books, swapping, donating, and receiving.
“It will help a great number of families once it gets going and lift the people of our community up by giving them a little extra strength to overcome the challenges of their lives; a little bit extra is sometimes enough.
“Even now people have commented on how lovely it is to live in a community where the residents care for one another.”
To ensure the future of this community project, financial support is needed, Gordon explained.
“Like our own NHS, it’s free at point of use. However, there are costs involved.
“As well as the cost of the Fareshare membership, there’s also the cost of insurance, the annual maintenance, and unforeseen costs.
“With that in mind, I am making an appeal to the community to donate just £1 per month.
“Just 100 of us could raise enough to meet the costs. The shed is run through the Community Trust and it has been kind enough to set up a PayPal link that people can use to donate.
“For those not on the internet, the Co-op will take donations in sealed envelopes so long as they’re marked with ‘Innerleithen Sharing Shed’. A little extra will go a long way.”
The concept of the shed is simple – ‘sharing is caring’ – take what you need and share what you can.
The communities of Walkerburn and Innerleithen have brought back the simple old-fashioned days of sharing with neighbours, but with a modern, dynamic twist.
The team at Tweeddale Action Group would like to thank all supporters including (but not limited to): Kevin Clark from the Co-op for his help to obtain permission to build the shed and his guidance in getting financial help from his head office; Robert Hill Joinery for donating his help to design and build the shed; Susan Walker from Tweed Togs for donating lots of fantastic children’s winter coats; the Innerleithen Community Trust for running the bank account; the Innerleithen Community Council for their support and a huge number of locals who have donated so far.
To donate to the project, you can click here.
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