Bottle caps to wheelchairs initiative benefits Centurion recipient
What started as a competition to collect the most bottle tops and bread tags has become an ongoing project to assist people in need of wheelchairs.
A bottle cap recycling project in Centurion has made a significant impact on the lives of people with mobility challenges.
The initiative started a year ago as a competition between wards 69 and 70 but grew as various community members and organisations added their share to the project.
The project drew the attention of the Lions of Centurion Lifestyle as it partnered with textile recycling and disability empowerment organisation, Clothes to Good.
The second wheelchair beneficiary, Cate Madike, said her wheelchair was now much better and she was more comfortable.
Funds for wheelchair adjustment
Instead of buying a new wheelchair, the funds raised from the bottle tops and bread tags competition were used for a professional assessment and adjustment by E-mobility.
After an assessment, Madike got a new set of wheels, a new seat, and adjustments to her wheelchair to make it more comfortable.
Madike (41) was born in Tzaneen in Limpopo and moved to Pretoria at the age of 16 after a friend told her it would be easier for her to find a job in the city.
She now works as a sorter at Clothes to Good, where she says she enjoys being hands-on.
“I didn’t feel comfortable when I needed to go shopping or to town. I can’t go alone, it can be difficult for me,” Madike told Rekord.
She said she loves dancing and singing gospel music, as well as playing basketball, and that her faith means a lot to her.
Ward 70 councillor Marika Kruger-Muller said her community was always ready to help.
“In the beginning, this was just a competition between Cindy Billson [Ward 69] and me, and we were going to carry on for a year.
“But I will continue with this. It is amazing to see the support that we are getting from our residents.
“People phone every so often with a bag for us and it is great to see there is less waste on our landfill sites, and that it is going for a good cause.”
Kruger-Muller said she was happy their community could help Madike, who is an amazing person.
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