Bread tags and bottle tops make a difference
Sweethearts Foundation's Sue Martin said it takes 300kg of tags or 500kg of bottle tops to bring in enough money to buy one wheelchair.
THE support from Westville Pre-Primary School for the Bread Tags for Wheelchairs project helps save fish, animals and birds.
Representing Sweethearts Foundation, Sue Martin said their collection ensures that there are not as many tags or tops landing on beaches or going into landfill sites.
Together with the support of corporates, schools and volunteers, the Sweethearts Foundation provide wheelchairs to those in need through the Tops and Tags initiative where plastic bottle tops and bread tags are recycled in exchange for wheelchairs.
What’s more, a wheelchair can be given to a person in need.
“Not only is that one person forever grateful as they now have independence and mobility, but the family and friends who support that person are extremely appreciative. It honestly changes lives,” said Martin.
Martin visited the school recently and explained to the learners how this programme ticks so many of the right boxes, especially when there is so much emphasis placed on spreading awareness about the state of the world’s beaches due to littering – and the damage plastic is causing on a global level.
Also read: Crawling woman receives wheelchair donation
“The project teaches not only children but the community an important lesson about looking after their environment and how good recycling, not just plastic, is. They learn that instead of bread tags and bottle tops ending up on rubbish dumps, the following are made: Seedling trays, picture frames, coathangers, cornices and skirtings, outdoor furniture, poles and decking and so much more.”
She said it also teaches young children that as a person, you can make a difference, but collectively, as a team, it’s more effective and faster.
“The pleasure of giving is so rewarding, and it’s simply by collecting bread tags and beverage tops. It takes 300kg of tags or 500kg of bottle tops to bring in enough money to buy one wheelchair, which is around R3 300.
She added that Bread Tags for Wheelchairs, together with Sweethearts Foundation, are very grateful for Westville Pre-Primary’s support.
If anyone would like Sue Martin to talk to their school/church/company, email suemartin152@gmail.com or contact 083 261 2744.
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