People across the globe will give their own money away to complete strangers on 15 September 2012 as part of Free Money Day
Organised by the Post Growth Institute, the day aims to challenge people’s perception of money and the current economic system.
At various locations around the world, people will hand out money to others and ask recipients to then pass half on to someone else. Organisers hope that the day will be a liberating experience that will help people think more critically and creatively about their relationship with money. It is also hoped that it will stimulate conversation on the benefits of economies based on sharing.
“It’s time to rethink money and by the simple act of giving some away, we will start to reconnect with the original purpose of money: to connect human gifts with human needs,” said Raf Manji, director of the Sustento Institute.
“We have lost touch with the gifting aspect of money as our lives have become monetised. Free Money Day reclaims that spirit and shows us a different aspect of money,” he added.
The Post Growth Institute organised the first Free Money Day in 2011 and following its success decided to make it an annual event. The institute is an international network working on solutions to social and environmental problems, looking to help create a society focused on human wellbeing rather than economic growth.
Last year 68 events were held in 19 countries for Free Money Day. These included handouts in the street, money sent by post to random addresses and money left in locations around cities as part of an art project.
“Many people wondered: ‘what’s the catch?’ However, most people were just blown away by the idea, embracing the generosity of the day,” said Dr Donnie Maclurcan, co-founder of the Post Growth Institute and Free Money Day global co-ordinator. “The day totally shocked people, paving the way for discussions about the culture of ‘more’ and workable alternatives to never-ending economic growth.”
At the time of writing there are 62 registered events and £1,526 has been pledged to be given away for Free Money Day 2012.
