A Jacket Goes by the Wayside

I recently conducted a very interesting social experiment in finding the true value of a leather jacket – all in the name of charity.

The jacket in question has a history of its own. I received a few compliments – and also some flak – after wearing it two days after the 2010 Federal election on an episode of the ABC’s qanda (the independents still hadn’t decided who would form Government and I was, as I said, courting the informal vote).

I was very fond of the leather jacket but unfortunately its utility shrank with my waist – I dropped two jacket sizes this year after deciding to lose a few kilos. So I auctioned it on eBay and found the jacket was worth more online than on me – it raised an amazing $1800.

The money will now go to the Wayside Chapel, a charity which is many ways is in keeping with the spirit of the jacket. It’s not just because Wayside collects and distributes clothes but because of its unique approach to social justice – its motto is “We’re not much like a church, which might suit you if you’re not much like a Christian”.

The charity continues to do marvellous work but in the lead up to the festive season, it is a sad fact that it needs a lot more than $1800 to carry on its work. To give to the charity, please visit its website here.