Yep this really did happen.
I get the Nintendo Wii I had won through the post in nice time for Christmas and the TV dies 2 weeks before the big day.
Well that's going to ruin Christmas day - here kids a nice new Nintendo Wii to look at, sorry no TV to play it on.
No money, so what did I do - FREECYCLE.
So I signed up to my local freecycle and looked through the posts each day.
On day 3 someones giving away a TV - better than the one that died!
So I send them a message explaining my predicament and he reply that he's be delighted for me to have his old TV - problem solved.
Now some people on freecycle, or the more modern freegle, seem to have a disliking for people who only receive item and don't give. I do sort of understand their position even if I don't agree with it.
The thing is, not everyone has stuff to give away, and the main reason for giving is to reduce what goes to landfill and help the environment.
On top of that you are often saving people time and even money disposing of big or heavy items.
It does mean you will have to meet the person you are collecting something from and some may find this awkward.
I have to say it has never been awkward for me because all the people I have met have been very nice and indeed grateful that their old stuff is not just getting dumped and gets a new lease of life.
So far I have been given the TV, a PC complete with monitor, keyboard and mouse, a 1930's art deco wardrobe, a mountain bike and a printer. My sister even got a car!
Everything has been in good condition and I think it benefits everyone, the giver, the receiver and the environment.
I would just say don't abuse it. I have heard of people looking for things for free to sell on ebay etc.
In my experience this would rarely work or be worth the hassle. Most items are being given away because they no longer have much monitory value.
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