The clock is still ticking for residents in the Riverina region; there is still time to turn bottles and cans into books for children experiencing disadvantages with Return and Earn.
Return and Earn, the NSW container deposit scheme, is partnering with the children’s education charity The Smith Family. For every 30 eligible drink containers recycled, one book will be funded for a student in need.
The foundation aims to raise $200,000 before 23 November through the donation of 2 million bottles. Residents can choose to donate a portion or all the amount earned from their container returns to help provide access to books and essential learning resources for young Australians.
Every eligible bottle that is donated to the cause will contribute 10 cents towards the fundraising goal. This can provide 10,000 book packs for students, says TOMRA Cleanaway CEO James Dorney.
“This campaign makes giving back and supporting kids easy,” Mr Dorney says.
“We encourage communities across NSW to get behind this important cause, which will help put books in the hands of young people in need.”
Donating is easy by using the Return and Earn app and selecting The Smith Family as your preferred payout method
Helping support kids’ education across Australia
The Smith Family is Australia’s largest children’s education charity. Partnering with around 780 Australian schools and supporting almost 72,000 students through the flagship Learning for Life program. The program assists those young Australians living in poverty to reach their full potential and engage with school.
Recyclers across the state are choosing to donate their full or partial container refunds to support The Smith Family
In the Riverina region, the education charity:
- Partners with about 10 schools
- Supports 1,100 students through the Learning for Life program
- Reached 1,470 children and young people through programs in the 24/25 financial year
The Smith Family’s CEO, Doug Taylor, says education is the key to breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty.
“Learning for Life is much more than a sponsorship – it’s an educational lifeline,” Mr Taylor says.
“A Learning for Life sponsorship provides financial support for school essentials, access to extra education programs and personal support from a dedicated Smith Family team member.
“Every donation to The Smith Family through Return and Earn helps support a child experiencing disadvantage.”
Return and Earn in the Riverina
Residents in the Riverina wanting to return their eligible containers with Return and Earn can visit refund points, including the Wagga Wagga Return and Earn depot. By selecting The Smith Family as the chosen charity partner on the machine screen or app when cashing in your containers, residents can make a simple action that goes a long way in assisting a child’s future.
For more information, visit www.returnandearn.org.au
