A Port Coquitlam community Facebook group has found a unique way to make sure everyone gets what they need this holiday season.
Whether it be an extra bed for a child growing out of a crib, a TV, a video baby monitor or even a car, a Facebook post by Shari Radu has been linking people in need with people who have extra belongings.
And for the past several weeks since the post was put up Nov. 24, dozens of community members are helping each other out, says Radu.
“There’s been a huge response from the group — at least 600 comments,” said Radu, who is a mental health support worker.
Radu said she started a similar community posting on her personal page last year and decided to expand it to all of Port Coquitlam.
“This year has been really hard, with COVID and flooding, and especially with the holidays, I thought it would be a nice thing to do.”
To get things started, Radu posted the following comment on the Port Coquitlam Community Facebook page:
“What is one thing you NEED but cannot afford right now?… Besides the obvious of a home or money? Everyone check to see what others say. Maybe you have it and don't need it or have a connection to get it. You never know who we can help or how we can help each other.”
It didn’t take long before people started posting what they needed, and shortly after, people commented back with items and a suggestion of how to get in touch.
“The turnout was drastically more than I thought it would be,” Radu told the Tri-City News.
Someone even offered to give away an espresso machine.
Another person, who purchases scrap cars, offered to get in touch with two people needing transportation if a good car comes along.
“Happy to help you guys if [I’ve] got anything good by chance,” wrote the poster.
Radu said she was struck by how people responded so kindly to one another. But she was also saddened by some of the posts from parents who just needed beds for their children so they didn’t have to sleep together in the same bed.
“I would like to help them all if I could,” Radu said.
People who needed heaters were connected via Facebook with those who had extra heaters to give away or sell at a cheap price.
One person who needed a scooter to get around because of a recent heart attack was offered a nearly new machine for $100.
A lot of winter boots were exchanged via the Facebook comments and many people got connected with people who had small household appliances to give away.
“You’re welcome to it,” said one poster who offered a coffee pot to someone looking for things to make living independently more comfortable for her brother who is on disability.
Many commented on the timeliness of the post and how nice it is for Port Coquitlam residents to help each other out in these challenging times.
“I’ve just read through all of the comments here and you ALL have restored my faith in mankind! It's AMAZING what can be done when a small group of people get together,” a poster commented.
Radu, who recently moved to PoCo from Maple Ridge, said she was thrilled with the response and plans to re-post the comment every few months to see if more people can share their extra things with those in need.
“I feel like the community is willing to help other people when they can.”
