Nick Leon's Idea
My current experience...
Finding toilet facilities in London. Desperate for the loo I make a dash for the nearest pub. Just before my hands hit the push sign on the door my eye catches a sign on the window: 'you're welcome to use our loo, in return kindly make a donation in our charity box’. After a quick visit to the loo I feel I have slept for a week. As I climbed back up the stairs the charity box is right there on the bar. I drop some change and this bright cheery voice behind the bar say "ah thanks for that" and I smile go on my way thinking how beautifully that all worked out.
Wouldn't it be better if...
Pubs, restaurants, coffee shops and fast food outlets were part of a scheme to help the city with the shortage of toilet facilities in London? What if everyone could literally cash in their pennies (which are largely unwanted) for credit on an Oyster card type system? Cash in your pennies to spend a penny as it were. Some of the money would go to a worthwhile charity some of it to cover costs for materials and cleaning. Any establishment taking part could have a sign on their window clearly stating they support the scheme and thereby supporting the citizens of their city. Let’s face it, most pubs, coffee shops and fast food restaurant are knowingly or unknowingly providing this outlet anyway (people talk about taking popping in to McDonalds to take a 'McPiss' - at least my friends do). Wouldn't it be better for the message was "it's OK come in, we’re relieved too. We are using your money to change people's lives. You’'re a star. Thanks so much".
"No coffee thanks, I'm just popping in to use your loo".

Back to Mind the Gap

