Giving page shows generosity of Bay

The gift of giving has taken off on a Bay Facebook page that has more than 11,000 members, says its administrator Jo Williams-Plews. Photo / John Borren

Thousands of free items including food, clothes and furniture have exchanged hands on a Bay Facebook page dedicated to giving.

Free Stuff Tauranga/Mount Maunganui/Papamoa Te Puke administrator Jo Williams-Plews said the site has 11,682 members and received about 60 posts a day.

The page was designed to help people that were struggling and a place for others to post items they wanted to give away, she said.

"It's a giving page, if you want something you can ask although it is hard for some people to ask for help. However, people have sort of grasped the concept of knowing there is somewhere they can go ... when often all their avenues have been exhausted."

Users were also savvy, she said, which meant the site was not abused.

"We are watching the page all the time and people will question if someone has been up to no good."

Outrageous requests had been made for cars, but others were for tinned food, milk, bread, clothing, school uniforms, Christmas decorations, beds and household items.

Vicky Walker had posted on the site and said it was great.

"Wanted a fridge. Got it the next day. Will pass it on soon with a single bed to help those like me who need help.

"No politics involved."

Gemma-Elaine Robinson agreed and said it was amazing, she started her own charity "You're a Gem" in June after moving back home from Auckland and was able to offer assistance via the page.

"We have been able to help people with furniture, fridges, microwaves and food parcels. I love the fact that the page is readily available and that it's narrowed down to local people. I started my charity due to having had a hard time financially, but we got on our feet down here and decided to give back to our community."

Dee Rimene said she gave away two bikes and a Christmas tree with extras to one family.

"It's nice to know you can help others."

Tauranga Budget Advisory Service manager Diane Bruin said the site was an excellent idea and provided options for the donor and the person in need. "When people are de-cluttering they don't always know what to do with the excess. For those needing the item this could make the difference to have a present under the tree or not. It also helps manage the environment someone's rubbish maybe someone else's treasure."

Yesterday one person was giving away "Couch free must go today," while another had a free toilet and porcelain bowl. Baby clothes were also being given away and someone wanted to find a home for one blackmoor fish and one yellow snail that "can grow as big as an apple".

Others were looking for advice on a cheap dentist in Papamoa, one wanted a chicken coop and 15 people commented about one request for fruit and vegetables - with offers of grapefruit, mandarins, oranges and lettuces.