Community Karma - It’s More Than Money

June 9, 2008

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How many times have you suggested something to someone, had them run with it and turn out even better than anyone could have imagined?

That happened to me this week and I thought I would share it because it makes for such a great story.

I was talking to my pastor, Andrew Wendle (Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Hood River, OR) about his just completed vacation. He said it had been great but that their less than 3 year old fridge stopped working while they were gone. Fortunately, they had a neighbor collecting their mail and looking in on their house and she caught it in time to move everything to her fridge.

As soon as they got back, they called Maytag to find out if it was still under warranty - “No“. Next call was to the local appliance store (Ballingers, The Dalles, OR) and paid $90 to find out it would cost $700 to fix it. They decided it would be better to purchase a new one (around $750) and Andy was bemoaning that he and his wife would have to use their Economic Stimulus money for a new fridge AND pay Home Depot $50 to haul the old one away.

I suggested that he at least offer the fridge up on Freecycle and maybe someone handy would be able to take it away and fix it. Andy thought that was a great idea and had one response to his offer. The man who came to pick it up actually worked for Ballinger’s and even came to pick it up in a Ballinger’s truck. When he took it in to Ballingers to get it fixed, they discovered that it was covered under warranty.

When the employee told Ballingers that Andy was the original owner, they called to find out why he was just giving it away. They said they could fix it and return it to him for just another $60! So through an online but local connection Andy was able to avoid having to purchase a new fridge and instead was able to repair his old fridge. If it were not for the highly ethical decision of that employee (Andy had legally given the fridge away to him) to return the fridge, Andy and his family would be out over $600.

It is amazing when the normally anonymous internet can be used to not just save money but strengthen local communities and enhance lives.

Share your “Community Karma” story below or clicking the comment button above. It’s a great way to start your day!

Warmly, Cindy

Posted by Cindy Morus | Filed Under Savings 

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