Ottawa-Centretown Timebank

(A community timebanking project for the Ottawa-Centretown community launched by Timebanking Canada.)


Our Mission: To bring people together for new connections and exchange of services, one hour at a time.

The Ottawa-Centretown Timebank, another emerging community timebank will cover the Centretown and surrounding communities and invites people to join the timebank. Members will begin to help one another in adjoining clusters, actively share services, and make new social connections. They'll build friendships and give everyone an opportunity to make a difference in people's lives, all at no cost to one another.

Our Timebank holds the vision to have members from a variety of professional and social statuses, offering various light services to meet needs in our community, from preparing healthy and delicious good home cooking to yard cleaning, or gardening help to teaching computer skills, helping with a move, or spending time with an aging parent who would otherwise be alone for the afternoon. The list of possibilities is endless. For a list of many services or skills to share and receive, see below under the heading "Timebanking skills and needs."


MEMBER REGISTRATION

The registration process is user-friendly, takes only a few minutes, and allows for self-registration, or you may seek help from a Member Coordinator if needed. Just click on the 'Contact Timebank' menu option.

Once your registration is completed and approved by the coordinator, you will be able to browse the service 'offers' and 'requests' from other members. You may also create your own 'offers' and requests.' The "offers' and 'requests' on this Timebank may also be published (passported) on other linked community Timebanks in Ottawa. This will allow people in those linked timebanks to respond and participate in passported service exchanges.

IN 'TIMEBANKING,' 'TIME' IS THE CURRENCY OF EXCHANGE AND EVERYONE'S TIME IS EQUAL.

One hour is one hour irrespective of qualification, income, position, or social status.  

That creates a level playing field for all.

There is no money exchange. Timebanking is all about serving the community on a 'pay it forward' basis. For one hour of time spent with someone, you'll earn one 'time credit.' In turn, you can spend your time credit(s) to receive help or some skill from another member whenever you need it. Also, you could donate your time credits to another member or to the 'community pot,' which is a pool of (time) funds available to members who may not have earned enough 'time credits' for themselves. This 'community pot' is managed by the Member Coordinator(s).

We believe that everyone has something to give regardless of their age, ability, situation, or background. If you receive help, you, too, can give back a skill or some help in exchange. No money or goods are given. 'Giving' and 'receiving' on a reciprocal basis promote mutual respect and dignity.

Timebanking aims to 

build positive social relationships and healthy communities.

If you have questions or need help, please use the 'Contact Timebank' link above. A member Coordinator will reach out to you.


The Five Core Values of Timebanking

EDGAR S. CAHN, THE FATHER OF TIMEBANKING, HAS GIVEN THESE FIVE CORE VALUES THAT STAND AT THE HEART OF SUCCESSFUL TIMEBANKING AND HAVE STOOD THE TEST OF TIME.

  • Asset – Every person has something of value to share with someone else.
  • Redefining Work – There are some forms of work that money will not easily pay for, like building strong families, revitalizing neighborhoods, making democracy work, and advancing social justice. Time credits were designed to reward, recognize and honor that work.
  • Reciprocity – The question: “How can I help you?” needs to change so we ask: “Will you help someone too?” Paying it forward ensures that, together, we help each other build a world we all want to live in, based on kindness, respect, and equality.
  • Community/Social Networks – Helping each other, we reweave communities of support, strength & trust. Community is built by making connections, building trust, and creating networks.
  • Respect – The heart and soul of democracy lies in respect for others. We strive to respect where people are in the moment, not where we hope they will be at some future point.

Timebanking: "It's where you get paid back when you pay it forward."

... Kathy Sipple, Founder of CoThrive Time Bank, Valparaiso IN


Timebanking Skills and Needs

(alphabetically sorted)

·       bookkeeping... help to create a budget

·       car repairs... simple jobs that can be done at home

·       car washing... inside and out

·       children: babysitting or after-school care

·       children: tutoring with homework

·       clean your house

·       clean your yard

·       computer: teaching skills – help out with any computer challenge

·       cooking a dish or a meal for you

·       cooking... teach you how to cook simple, healthy meals

·       craftwork – pottery – stone painting – other?

·       delivering leaflets

·       driving people to appointments, shopping, or errands

·       fitness coach

·       gardening help

·       hair: cut and style your hair at home

·       holistic services: give a massage - a facial – foot massage

·       holistic services: give a reflexology or reiki treatment

·       home repairs – help around the house

·       house sitting – plant care – pet care

·       moving help – packing, loading, or transport

·       music... teaching piano, guitar, other?

·       nails: do your nails – manicure – pedicure

·       pet care: dog walking – dog training – cat sitting

·       senior care: visiting/companionship – caregiving – meal prep

·       sewing – dressmaking – clothes repair

·       Tai Chi training

·       teaching languages – English – French – other?

·       translation – English to other languages.

·       typing letters, and documents, or help with filling out a form

·       yoga teacher... personal training


** If the service you would like to offer is not on this list, let us know and we'll include it.
** For services that require expenses or parts to buy, the giver and the receiver of the service should agree that the expenses will be provided by the receiver of the service. The time involved in providing the service is what is freely given.