Customers visiting participating Recyclers SA/Scrap Hotline recycling depots will now have the option to drop some or all of their refundable cans and bottles into specially marked Vinnies bins on site. The depots will then donate the cash equivalent of those containers to Vinnies, enabling the organisation to keep supporting the more than 100,000 South Australians who turn to them for help each year.
Vinnies CEO, Louise Miller Frost, said the support from Recyclers SA/Scrap Hotline was needed now more than ever, given the impacts of Covid-19.
"As the pandemic has progressed we know that the community is increasingly under strain – emotional and financial – and these vital funds raised through our partnership with Recyclers SA/Scrap Hotline will ensure that Vinnies is there for those who need us now, and into the future," she said.
"At the same time, Covid-19 has severely restricted our ability to fundraise, so we can't thank Recyclers SA/Scrap Hotline enough for this initiative."
Phil Martin, from Recyclers SA/Scrap Hotline recycling network, said that while Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on many businesses and has forced temporary closures and job losses, the recycling industry has maintained business as usual.
"Due to the stay at home recommendations, many families are throwing away their cans and bottles. All we ask is for them to consider that there is another option, and that is to donate these cans and bottles to support people in need," he said.
"As we are in the fortunate position of being able to maintain operations – while observing social distancing and other government recommendations – we are uniquely placed to help a well known and loved organisation support those doing it tough."
It is not the first time that Recyclers SA/Scrap Hotline and Vinnies have joined forces, with the recycling network running a donation campaign that has realised more than 22 tonnes of donated clothing and blankets for Vinnies since last winter. These items were given directly to people requiring assistance, or sold through the network of Vinnies shops to fund support services including the Vinnies Men's and Women's Crisis Centres, the Fred's Van meal service, and the provision of food, food vouchers and financial assistance across Adelaide and regional South Australia.
There are over 70 Recyclers SA/Scrap Hotline depots across participating in 'Tinnies for Vinnies' initiative to find the one nearest you, visit recyclesa.com.au or scraphotline.com.au
