A worthy exchange

St Dunstan’s College has, for the past three years, been using these waste items to trade for wheelchairs.

The Rynfield-based school collected enough tops and tags from pupils, parents and staffers to receive 15 wheelchairs in 2014.

The school is nearing its goal of collecting 20 wheelchairs this year, after already having collected 16.

In order to obtain one wheelchair, 150kg of bottle tops and 15kg of bread tags are needed.

Neville Kimber (80) is one of the beneficiaries who received a wheelchair through this project, late last year.

As he is blind and has bad nerves in his legs, the Rynpark Five resident has difficulty moving around.

His plight has, however, been eased somewhat since he has received his wheelchair, and Neville is grateful for the outcome of this initiative.

“The wheelchair has come in handy when we have to go to different places,” he said.

His wife, Sue (76), also praised the project.

“From a care-giver’s point of view, it has made a big difference in our lives,” said Sue.

“We can go everywhere now and we are very grateful for that.”

Started by Interwaste, a waste management company based in Germiston, the eco-initiative project has been a great success since 2011.

“This initiative has been an all-round success for us at Interwaste,” said Jason McNeil, group sales and marketing director at the company.

“Not only have we been able to help members of our community who are in need of wheelchairs, but we have also contributed towards continually promoting an eco-friendly environment by involving the community at large.”

Other schools, such as Tom Newby and Farrarmere Primary have also started collecting tops and tags to help St Dunstan’s College.

The collection of tops and tags is also open to schools, churches, companies and the general public.

For more information and to donate bread tags and bottle tops, contact Interwaste on 011 323 7300 or 0860 927830, or email to info@interwaste.co.za.

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