Help Networks: How to lend a helping hand with Curbza

If you’ve created a Curbza network before, you’ll know how simple it is to get started. Creating a public or private network can be done in a matter of seconds. You can create a network for your friends to trade and share clothes, a family network for getting rid of old housewares and furniture or a network to share and pass down used sporting equipment for your local sports league. Another great use for customizable networks is Help Networks.

What are Help Networks?

Help Networks are a way to assist people in need. When crisis, natural disasters and tragedies arise, many people don’t know how they can help. Using Curbza’s networks feature, users can create Help Networks when a crisis happens and victims are in need. Other users can join the network to post items they have to donate, and those in need can browse the network to find items they need for little to no cost.

When can you create a Help Network?

Creating networks is an ability that any user has at any time. To create a network, all you have to do is visit the networks tab and click “my networks”. The big “Create new network” button will be right there for you, and it’s as easy as filling in the name, description and deciding if it’s public or private.

When should I create a Help Network?

In the past, Help Networks have been created during environmental crises such as the Fort McMurray Wildfire and the Cape Breton Flooding that both took place in 2016. Anytime a crisis occurs, you can make a Help Network, share it on your social media platforms, and start posting ads for items you wish to donate to those affected. If you do create a Help Network, let us know so we can help spread the word on our Curbza social platforms.

Should my Help Network be public or private?

In the past, we’ve seen Help Networks operate in a public setting, allowing all users to join. This is a great way to open the option to donate or accept items of need to everyone on Curbza. However, private Help Networks are a useful option when information and donations are more sensitive. Users can donate and accept donations within a private network, and no one will be able to see who’s in the network but you and other users who have been approved by the administrator. If you know an individual in need and want to set up a network to help them, a private Help Network would be a great option.

Help Networks are Curbza’s way of encouraging community engagement, helping our neighbours and giving new life to used items. What’s your favorite way to donate used items back into the community?