Containers for Kids recycling appeal has raised $122,540 for Starlight Children’s Foundation, helping to brighten the lives of sick children and the environment at the same time.
Launched in November last year, ‘Containers for Kids’ encouraged anyone using a Return and Earn machine in NSW to donate some of their container refund to Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Starlight delivers vital in-hospital services to support sick children and teens including Captain Starlight and Starlight Express Rooms across NSW children’s hospitals.
The statewide appeal ran for six months with NSW Return and Earn users donating the 10 cent refund from more than 1.2 million drink containers, resulting in $122,540 donated to the charity.
“Fundraising through Return and Earn proved to be remarkably effective for charities and community groups across the state and had the added benefit of helping the environment. More than $30 million has been returned to charities and community groups via donations and hosting fees since the scheme commenced,” said James Dorney, Chief Executive Officer of TOMRA Cleanaway, network operator for Return and Earn.
The funds raised through the ‘Containers for Kids’ recycling appeal will help brighten the lives of more than 3140 sick children and their families.
Kristie Caddick, Starlight Head of Marketing and Fundraising, said the need for Starlight’s programs has never been greater.
“Necessary hospital restrictions have only added to the stress for kids and families already facing the unimaginable challenges of serious illness. Funds raised through the ‘Containers for Kids’ campaign will help Starlight continue to bring joy and positive distraction to sick kids in hospital,” she said.
Every Return and Earn machine features an onscreen statewide major donation partner and a local donation partner, giving everyone who uses the machine the option to donate some or all of their container refund.
The new Return and Earn app makes it even easier with the option to donate to one of the more than 150 charities listed on the app.
“As more traditional face-to-face fundraising methods have been limited due to the pandemic, we have really seen an incredible growth in the numbers of schools, sporting groups, charities and other community organisations using Return and Earn to raise much needed fund,” said Danielle Smalley, Chief Executive Officer of Exchange for Change, scheme co-ordinator of Return and Earn
“We’re proud that the scheme can support these important causes and continues to deliver strong social, economic and environmental benefits for NSW.”
NSW recyclers can continue to help brighten the lives of sick children and their families by donating their digital refunds to Starlight using the Return and Earn app at any Return and Earn machine. Return and Earn is a partnership between the NSW Government, scheme co-ordinator Exchange for Change and network operator TOMRA Cleanaway.
For more information, visit: www.returnandearn.org.au
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