A Geelong family is highlighting the powerful ripple effect that recycling a can or bottle can have on charities and the people they help.

Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme, CDS Vic, gives the public the opportunity to donate their 10-cent eligible container refunds to a number of charities by using the CDS Vic West app.

Rochelle Kersten with her son Luka and his assistance dog Bronson at the Barrabool Shopping Centre RVM.

Across the West Zone users have the opportunity to donate their container refunds directly to a featured charity like Assistance Dogs Australia at any TOMRA Cleanaway reverse vending machine.

Two years ago, Rochelle Kersten’s family began their journey with Assistance Dogs Australia. Bronson, a trained Autism Assistance Dog, came into their lives to help Rochelle’s son Luka, who has severe autism, ADHD, and an intellectual disability.

“Luka was nonverbal for a very long time and struggled a lot in the community and at home, but he has a love of animals, particularly dogs,” said Ms Kersten. “Anywhere we went, if he was having a hard time, we’d track down a dog, and he would regulate himself just by being around other people’s dogs”

“So, the idea came about that maybe we get him his own assistance dog… the first match wasn’t quite the right fit for us and then the second match was Bronson.”

CDS Vic Enabling Charity Fundraising

Ms Kersten said she was glad to see the community helping people in need through the CDS Vic scheme. “I feel so grateful, and it feels like the community is rallying around families and organisations that help people like us,” she said.

“That’s a really nice feeling to think that people are using their own time and money to support an organisation that is so vital to people who want to live a normal life.”

Charities, community groups and organisations that are interested in registering as a Donation Partner with the scheme to raise funds via container returns are encouraged to visit the CDS Vic website to find out more.

Assistance Dogs Australia

Founded in 1996, Assistance Dogs Australia trains and places unique dogs with Australian in unique situations. Assistance Dogs Australia train dogs that specialise in support for people with a physical disability, autism or PTSD, as well as providing a range of services to these individuals and their families.

The dogs placed by ADA are done so completely free of charge with clients across Australia. It takes two years to train and costs up to $60,000 to provide a qualified Assistance Dog.

Community donations and funding from corporate and philanthropic organisations allows them to continue to provide these services free of charge to the community.

If you would like to support Assistance Dogs Australia by donating your container refunds at any CDS Vic West Zone reverse vending machine, or by searching for Assistance Dogs Australia on the CDS Vic West app.

This story originally appeared in the Geelong Independent. 

Photos by Ivan Kemp. To purchase, please visit the Pic Store here.