When Lorna Jones had her mom visit during the COVID-19 pandemic, it got her thinking about aging in place.
“I did a bit of research and learned about some groups that had started using time banking, which I had never heard about before,” she said, speaking with The Courier. “Then, in February 2024, I fell and broke both of my wrists and at that point, I definitely needed help.”
She said people came to help with cooking and cleaning but, most importantly, spending time with her.
“I talked to everyone about time banking and three folks that were in my home decided they would like to help out,” Jones said.
Since then, the group has launched as a non-profit. A friend told Jones about an Offers and Requests Market — a meeting where people can make requests and offers for services and meet one another.
“That’s the thing that got it off the ground for us,” she said.
Marilyn Orr is a member of the board.
“The concept is one hour equals one hour, which is amazing,” Orr said.
The CCTB now has more than 100 members and nearly 500 hours of services have been exchanged.
“There is someone who sharpens knives, piles wood, helps you in your garden, goes for a walk, plays video games, you name it,” she said. “It is ridiculously diverse.”
Orr said something that began as a way to help people age in place has become much greater.
“What’s been a really pleasant surprise is people that are new to the community have found it is a really amazing mechanism to meet people and get to know neighbours and build friendships,” she said. “It’s just a great community builder.”
Resident Brenda Bernat has been a member since the time bank’s inception.
“We had just come from British Columbia the year before and it wasn’t so hard to meet our neighbours, but to meet other people in town because I live out in the countryside, it was pretty difficult,” she said.
She said the first exchange was someone offering to teach the preparation of Indian food.
“I love Indian food, so right away we made a nice connection,” she said. “But I offered things like letting you take a walk with horses because I have horses, have absolutely just delicious tea, make cookies.”
Bernat said the time bank has made her feel a part of the community.
It is the same for Vinicius de Lima. His wife was on the board and his interest in the time bank grew from there.
“I just joined to explore it actually,” he said. “One thing I really love is skateboarding and it is something I was actually looking for more people to skateboard with.”
He said the group of friends he’s made through the time bank spend a lot of time together now.
“I think as a foreigner, it is kind of hard to blend and make friends and the time bank is a great tool to build that and to help people who are feeling lonely,” he said.
Jennifer Bouley is the time bank’s only employee — a part-time coordinator. She said this is one of the most rewarding jobs she’s ever had.
“It’s been a really important asset not only in my professional life but my personal life,” Bouley said.
Anyone who wishes to sign up should email cctimebank@gmail.com.
