Recycled materials go a long way for those in need
The network is comprised of Bedfordview residents, Edenvale business people and individuals from Ekurhuleni, Pretoria and Limpopo.
In recognition of National Disability Rights Awareness Month, November, businesses and community members came together with Interwaste Germiston to support a network of plastic bottle top collectors.
Since 2013 the bottle top collectors have donated 260 000kg of plastic bottle tops to be recycled, collected 64 wheelchairs and donated 53.
The network is comprised of Bedfordview residents, Edenvale business people and individuals from Ekurhuleni, Pretoria and Limpopo.
Among the beneficiaries are disabled residents in Kathorus who were identified by community members and community centres.
The beneficiaries received wheelchairs and food parcels on November 29.
“What we do is the epitome of how one man’s junk is another man’s treasure,” said said Lynne Crawcour of the Herbert Evans Group, which helps collects botte tops.
“Giving back to the community does not have to be expensive but needs to give hope, mobilise society for the good of its people and help others thrive.”
In the past two and half months, the network collected a total of 960kg of plastic bottle tops which made the November drop off possible.
At the launch of the Disability Rights Awareness Month campaign, deputy minister in the presidency Prof Hlengiwe Mkhize said the month is an opportune time to highlight certain issues and concerns pertaining to the rights of thousands of people with disabilities in SA.
“The SAHRC notes a very critical fact that persons with disabilities account for 5.1 per cent of the population aged five years and older in SA with disabilities, who continue to experience lack of access to adequate health and basic education, and are at risk of the economy with no prospect of securing employment.
“The sector is also particularly vulnerable to the compounded effects of discrimination and abuse.”
For every 450kg of plastic bottle tops collected, Interwaste donates a new wheelchair.
This initiative is open to all members of the public, anyone can contribute to it.
If you would like to be involved in the network of collectors contact Lynne on 082 330 7132.
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