Almost $230,000 has been raised to provide meals for families in need thanks to the incredible support of the NSW community donating their Return and Earn refunds to food relief organisation Foodbank NSW & ACT.
With one in three NSW households facing hunger, recyclers stepped up to help by directing refunds from over 2 million eligible containers to the food relief charity.
For every five bottles, cans or cartons donated, Foodbank can create one meal. The six-month partnership between Return and Earn and Foodbank means over 458,000 meals have been donated for families in need.
Return and Earn has become a key fundraising channel for many charities and community groups in NSW. Over $72 million has been raised from donations and fees from hosting return points since the scheme launched in 2017.
Return and Earn is a NSW Government initiative delivered in partnership between the NSW Environment Protection Authority, scheme coordinator Exchange for Change and network operator TOMRA Cleanaway.
For more information visit www.returnandearn.org.au
Quotes attributable to John Robertson, CEO of Foodbank NSW & ACT
“We are thrilled to announce that our partnership with Return and Earn has raised an incredible $229,190 – equivalent to 458,380 meals for families struggling to put food on the table.
“This achievement is a testament to the generosity and commitment of the NSW community in supporting those in need by donating their bottles and cans with Return and Earn.
“Every dollar raised through this initiative helps us provide essential food relief to families and individuals across NSW and ACT.
“We are deeply grateful for the continued support and look forward to putting the funds raised to great use in our community.”
Quotes attributable to Stephen Bali MP
“Foodbank’s NSW headquarters is based in Blacktown but their outreach helps families right across NSW.
“Thank you to all the generous NSW Return and Earn recyclers who have helped the fight against hunger by choosing to donate their 10c drink container refunds to Foodbank.
“It’s wonderful that fundraising through Return and Earn makes a very real difference to the lives of so many people who need a helping hand, while also supporting a cleaner, greener environment.”
