It takes a couple of seconds to register that someone is actually handing them an umbrella, the one thing they just wished to God they had. They smile, still a little unsure after a few seconds, and say, Thanks, or Wow, or Are you sure? I say, Have a great day, or night. Sometimes I just say, "Pay it forward," and move on.
Next time you walk into a crowded building from a rain storm, you should try this. Hand your umbrella off to someone who needs it. It will make your day.
If more people did this, it would be a little nicer world. So here's how it works: Every Relay umbrella comes with a unique identifier and instructions for use. Anyone using the umbrella - starting with the purchaser - simply scans the umbrella with a smartphone. The owner posts whatever they like using their phone (text, photos, videos, links, etc.). Those posts are now "attached" to that specific umbrella.
It's then up to the owner to pass the umbrella on to someone who needs it. Each recipient of the Relay umbrella is encouraged by the instructions on the umbrella (and the person handing it off) to scan the umbrella, and post their own story, pictures and ideas. Anyone who posts something to the umbrella receives email or text updates on the whereabouts of the umbrella and everything posted to it.
Now you may be asking, is this about selling umbrellas for a profit? And the answer is no. Anyone can create an umbrella like the Relay umbrella. But we are excited to see this movement take shape, so we're making a pledge: We will donate to charity 100% of the profit on every Relay umbrella that is passed forward at least 5 times.
If you like this idea, we would love to hear from you. Please send us your comments and questions.
Have you ever seen someone walking through the rain getting soaked, or standing helplessly in a doorway or lobby without an umbrella? Have you seen that look on the face of a person without an umbrella, when they're about to leave an apartment building, train station or airport and see it pouring outside? Have you ever been the one stuck without an umbrella? Of course, we all have.
But have you ever walked into a building from the rain, seen a person like that, and handed them your umbrella? I have. I carry cheap umbrellas that you can find at many newstands in New York. And when I walk into my office building or a movie theater, comfortable to be out of the rain, I gladly hand my umbrella to someone standing there helplessly waiting for the rain to stop. Every time, they get a wonderful, confused, happy look on their face.