Give40
An experiment in simplicity and generosity
Next steps
Keen to be involved! Amazing. Here’s all you need to do:
Then start giving and selling!
Lent is just around the corner! In the same way we did Advent Calendar of Kindness for Advent, we’re going to try a group experiment called Give40. In short, it’s a challenge to give away or sell one thing for each day of lent, and give any proceeds to the poor.
Why Give40?
In Matthew 6, Jesus challenges his followers: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… for where your treasure is your hear will be also.” We live in a culture that is obsessed with stuff, and so many of us are surrounded by things we just don’t need. Complimentarily, John the Baptist encourages his followers in Luke 3: “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” This experiment is a chance to try these out and see what would happen if we didn’t just hear Jesus (and John’s!) words, but put them into action.
Dates and details
The challenge is to intentionally release 40 good-quality things you own over the 40 days of Lent, either by donating goods or selling items and donating the proceeds, in ways that directly serve the poor.
In most cases, physical goods should be given through op shops or recognised charities rather than passed on informally to people in need. If you sell items, any money raised should be donated to organisations working with those in need.
You don’t need to do one item per day (though you’re welcome to). The aim is simply to reach 40 items across the season, with generosity—not convenience—guiding your choices.
Lent runs from Ash Wednesday (February 18) to the Thursday before Good Friday (April 2). Technically that’s more than 40 days, but Sundays don’t count!
The goal of Give40 is not so much individual achievement (though hurray for that), as it is taking on a challenge together. The WhatsApp group is a place to share questions, stories, and encouragement along the way.
We’ll also post a few articles and resources as we go to help remind us this isn’t an exercise in minimalism, as much as it’s a response to Jesus.
You can join the WhatsApp group here.
We have provided a tracker (spreadsheet or paper, choose your adventure) for you to keep track of what you’ve given or sold. There’s a field for the approximate value of goods so you can track that too.
At the end of Lent, we’ll ask you to report back with how many ‘things’ you gave or sold. Not so we can judge you based on achievement, but because it’s a ‘group’ experiment and it’d be nice to know the impact we collectively had!
Your individual results won’t be shared with anyone.
You’re free to choose where your goods or funds go, provided they are directed through organisations whose work meaningfully serves the poor. This might include op shops, food services, relief agencies, or community charities.
If you’re in Toowoomba, we’d recommend Base Services or Tony’s Kitchen. If you choose another organisation, please take a moment to do due diligence and ensure it aligns with the spirit of the project.
We’re going to let you use your judgement on that one, but just try to keep it in the spirit of the exercise. If you’re donating, be sure any goods are good quality and re-sellable. If you’re selling, be sure to be a good Facebook Marketplace citizen!
Of course not! Anyone is welcome, from anywhere in the world. If you’re joining in from beyond TVC be sure to say g’day on the WhatsApp group, or get in touch to let us know you’ve joined in.