Container recycling nets $122,540 for Starlight Children’s Foundation

Generous recyclers across NSW have raised an incredible $122,540 for Starlight Children’s Foundation, helping to brighten the lives of sick children and the environment all at the same time.

Launched in November last year, the ‘Containers for Kids’ recycling appeal 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 kids and teens including Captain Starlight and Starlight Express Rooms across NSW children’s hospitals (Randwick, Westmead and John Hunter).

The statewide appeal ran for six months with NSW Return and Earn users donating the 10c 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, CEO 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 3,140 sick children and their families.

“The need for Starlight’s programs has never been greater. Necessary hospital restrictions have only added to the stress faced by 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 at a time when they need it most.” said Kristie Caddick, Starlight Head of Marketing & Fundraising.

Fundraising through Return and Earn is an easy way for anyone in the community to support their community and help the environment. 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 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 funds. We’re proud that the scheme can support these important causes and continues to deliver strong social, economic and environmental benefits for NSW,” said Danielle Smalley, CEO of Exchange for Change, scheme coordinator of Return and Earn.

NSW recyclers can continue to help brighten the lives of sick kids 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 coordinator Exchange for Change and network operator TOMRA Cleanaway.