In the Spirit of Christmas, Man Gives Away All His Possessions

Dennis Stevenson had a ton of stuff he didn't need. So, for last Christmas, he opened the doors to his home and allowed those who couldn't afford gifts to come and take what they wanted. It was such a hit, he's doing it again this year, but in a shop on the Gold Coast of Queensland.

Patrons are thrilled to take part, not just because of the free goodies, but because of how Stevenson is celebrating "the spirit of Christmas." (Excerpt from Impact page Huffington Post.com)

Full Story from Australia's Courier Mail below:

Dennis Stevenson gives away all his possessions

Hannah Martin
August 23, 2008 11:00pm
.DENNIS Stevenson lives in one of Brisbane's wealthiest suburbs and yesterday opened his front door to give away the contents of his home.

His washing machine, dishwasher, clothes and a computer were snaffled up in half-an-hour.
You couldn't wipe the smile off the face of the 62-year-old small business consultant, who struggled to explain why he decided to give away his life's possessions.

"The best way to answer that is, 'Why not?' " Mr Stevenson said at his Hamilton home in Brisbane's inner north.

"I was going to sell it, but had this idea that it would be fun and nice to give it away."

There were tears of gratitude and plenty of hugs for Mr Stevenson, as people from as far away as Toowoomba thanked him for their new goods.

Items up for grabs included a new silk suit, jugs, a microwave, fans, books, golf clubs, sporting equipment, a roof antenna, plastic storage containers, shelves and a television cabinet.

"Lucky I don't (own the house), I'd probably give it away, too," Mr Stevenson said.

"There were so many people here, people who needed things, (and) I think people really only took things they needed."

So, what's next for Mr Stevenson?

"Interestingly enough, I haven't decided. I'm looking forward to waking up in the morning and seeing where the day takes me," he said.

Mr Stevenson lives on his own, after caring for his elderly mum for several years until her recent death.

Luke Anthony and his friend Jamie Lee, who live near Aspley in Brisbane's north, were grateful for Mr Stevenson's washing machine, television, books, some grinding tools and new clothes.

"I think (the giveaway) is typical true blue Aussie and it's a dying trait. It's dead and buried, but Dennis has revived it," Mr Anthony, 40, said.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/12/22/australian-man-opens-free_n_400960.html