NRV TimeBank Matching Grant Fundraiser

There are so many words that can be used to describe the year that we have just been through – challenging, weird, scary, exhausting, lonely….

And yet, despite the many restrictions imposed by the pandemic, I was so proud to see our members continue to look out for each other, and share their skills, talents and friendship.

This became very personal for me in February when my husband was hospitalized after a serious car accident that required back surgery. With family members all living at a distance and unable to travel because of Covid, we were feeling particularly vulnerable and alone. I was on overdrive trying to prepare our home for my husband’s discharge from the hospital, and realized that he would have a very hard time navigating the stairs at our back door. A call for assistance resulted in a team of  TimeBankers building a beautiful new deck and stairway for us in an afternoon. My husband and I were overwhelmed with gratitude by this response from our TimeBank community.

Avery, one of our Advisory Committee members, recently compared the TimeBank to a quilt, lovingly pieced together by the thoughtful and compassionate people who bring their talents to its construction. Each of our members represents a small but powerful part of the beautiful whole, which is like a warm blanket around our lives and communities.

Many of our plans for the TimeBank were put on hold by the pandemic, and the funds that we are hoping to raise through this Give Big NRV campaign will be a crucial part of getting back on track with programs such as the ToolBank (Tool Lending Library), Repair Cafés, and an outreach to Warm Hearth Village.

An anonymous donor has offered up to $5,000 in matching funds for any donations received by the TimeBank as part of this year’s Give Local NRV campaign. This means that your donation will be DOUBLED automatically!! Just think what an amazing quilt of opportunity we can piece together when we all give what we can!!

Thanks,

Ellen Stewart

NRV TimeBank Coordinator