Lions’ recycling project gets international recognition
Lions International’s director visited one of the club’s crowing achievements.
Benoni Lakes Lions Club members welcomed Lions International director Dr Ahmed Salem, of Egypt, to its Recycling Hub and e-waste drop-off point at Belvedere School on April 25.
Salem was on a working visit to the country, visiting local Lions Club initiatives that support the organisation’s five pillars of service leading up to the multiple district convention in Durban.
In conjunction with the school, the Recycling Hub launched in September to collect glass, plastic and paper waste. The e-waste drop-off point is one of the facility’s main drawcards.
“Our school has received tremendous and continued support from the organisation, so when we were asked to partner with them to facilitate the hub, we jumped at the opportunity,” said deputy head Liesel Oosthuizen.
“We are passionate about conservation projects and recycling, which makes this partnership the perfect symbiosis between community and service.”
Inspecting the facility and paying careful attention to the discarded electronic items, Salem smiled and nodded with approval.
“As Lions, we undertake to be of service to our community while upholding our organisation’s ethos,” he said.
“No matter what projects clubs undertake, we must remember that our involvement does not only impact the lives of those we directly have contact with, but the ripple effect will touch the lives of all mankind.”
He said the safe and central location of the hub made it easy for the community to participate in recycling initiatives.
“Looking at the bigger picture, this facility ultimately affects the planet, which in turn, conserves the environment for us all to appreciate,” he said.
“Your members’ active involvement is a testament that it is not about the number of members per club but how they can lead communities into action. For this, we salute you and this facility.”
Club president Diane Townsend explained that fees collected from Desco Electronic Recyclers further fund community outreach programmes and the organisation’s Bright Sight campaign.
“We have also partnered with Tops and Tags, which collects bottle tops and bread tags that are recycled in return for wheelchairs,” said Townsend.
“When we identify members of the community who need wheelchairs, they are made available to us to donate to those in need.”
According to club member Nick Maré, 520kg of tops are needed to receive a wheelchair.
“We have collected four tons in the past year,” said Maré.
Impressed by the yields generated by the facility, Salem urged the community to continue supporting the effort.
“You do not need to be a Lion to make a difference, but when supporting a Lions initiative, you become part of a greater solution,” said Salem.
The Lions Recycling Hub, on Uys Krige Road, Farrarmere, is open daily except during school holidays.
The club hosts collections on the first Saturday of every month at the corner of Dodo and Nightingale streets, Atlasville, from 08:00 to 10:00.
Donations of e-waste, tops, tags, sunglasses, spectacles and books are welcome.
For more information, contact Beaulieu Maré via WhatsApp on 082 971 5472.
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