Aussies think Money Tree too good to be true

HUNDREDS of Australians couldn't believe their eyes when they saw a tree in the middle of Sydney sprouting $5 notes.

So much so that they refused to touch the money - for a while at least.

 

The Money Tree was set up in Sydney by online bank Rabodirect to showcase figures from their National Savings Survey which showed Asutralians either didn't care or didn't know they were missing out on $4.7 billion worth of savings each year by mismanaging their bank accounts.

 

Hundreds of people passed the money tree which was filmed by hidden cameras.

 

After a slow start where bystanders ignored the cash or simply took pictures of it, the tree was stripped bare in less than three hours. 

 

The first groups who eventually stopped to interact couldn’t believe it. They inspected the notes and took pictures, but left empty handed.

 

Only once one brave participant started taking the money, did momentum gather. Legitimised by the crowd, a wide spectrum of behaviour ensued.

 

Some took just one or two notes, satisfied by their modest and unexpected gains.

 

Consumed by the fantasy, a group of braver participants made the most of the opportunity by filling their pockets. 

 

When the low hanging $5 notes were depleted, participants employed tools such as swinging coats and umbrellas, to help them reach higher branches. 

 

Teamwork also came into play as spectators formed human pyramids to reach the notes seemingly out of reach. 

 

But a big "aah" was saved for the altruistic participants.

 

Taller participants shared their earnings with shorter spectators, while one gentleman on identifying the undercover observation team, requested his money be donated to charity.

 

There's always one.

 

0 comments on this story
email to a friend