VIDEO: Cork LETS gives real ’currency’ to helping each other

This mini documentary by Michael O’Mahony, a masters student in CIT, reveals how a new payment system called “LETS Currency” has been launched as a way to reward volunteers in community organisations in Cork city and beyond.

The currency is part of an initiative by a voluntary organisation, Cork Local Exchange and Trading System (L.E.T.S.) Network.

Groups participating include: UCC, Dress For Success Cork, Presentation Secondary School Ballyphehane, Kyle Street pop-up garden, who all see great benefit in what Cork LETS Network are offering.

Dress For Success Cork, CEO and Founder, Carmel O’Keeffe says that Cork LETS Network is all about “people helping people”.

“If I have any skills or expertise that I can trade with somebody, in return for me getting something from another person, then I think that is wonderful.” She says.

Dress For Success, which supports women entering the workforce, rewards their volunteers with “LETS Currency”. They also use the LETS credit exchange system for donations of interview quality clothing and skills.

Items such as books, musical instruments, plants and furniture, in addition to skills as diverse as baking, vegetable-growing, language and music lessons, house painting and metal fabrication, can all be traded on Cork LETS Network.

LETS Currency is also earned by UCC students who are volunteering their time in one local Cork school.

“Teachers have remarked on the students’ positive attitude to learning and quite an extraordinary improvement to their approach to school”. says Presentation Secondary School, Guidance Counsellor, Katrina O’Flynn.

To find out more or join Cork LETS Network clickHERE

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