Gillieston Heights man Paul Clyne is leading by example when it comes to promoting the value of sharing and giving.
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He is the administrator of Freecycle.org, a website that allows people to advertise items that they are willing to give away for free to a good home.
During his time with the website, Mr Clyne has repaired and given away about 130 computers to Hunter residents who didn’t have the means to go out and buy the latest laptop, gizmo or gadget.
Anyone, from elderly pensioners, domestic violence victims to people who don’t have a healthy income, can benefit from the scheme.
Mr Clyne’s attitude that Freecycle is about giving, and not simply getting free stuff, is a valuable lesson to those of us who haven’t given much thought to the possessions we discard and leave at the bottom of the cupboard when something newer or shinier hits the market.
Just because they are no longer useful to us doesn’t mean they aren’t useful to anyone.
A discarded computer or tablet could be given to an elderly person who might not otherwise have the means to buy a computer.
It might allow them to video call or email family members, or it might just mean they don’t have to leave the house to pay their bills.
Whatever the difference it makes to them, it’s worthwhile.
Most of us have something old, but still in good working order, lying around the house that could be useful to someone in our community.
If we can, we should all take a leaf out of Mr Clyne’s book and pass on items that we no longer need – it’s a simple act that could make a difference to someone’s life.
