Sea Vista children are being offered the opportunity to collect recyclable items, swap them for tokens and buy things they want at a recycle swap shop.
This recycling project, to be run by Rotary St Francis Bay, is based on the rewarding recycling project created and developed by Marilyn van Velden. Similar projects are running in Hermanus, Botrivier, Gansbaai, Knysna and Jeffreys Bay.
The concept has become so successful as it offers children from communities in need an opportunity to help themselves and their families. By collecting recyclable materials such as glass, cans, cardboard and plastic the children are also improving their environment. Recyclable collections will be weighed once a week on a shopping day.
Children will be awarded tokens or ‘mulas’ according to the weight of their collection. These tokens are used to buy things in the recycle shop that will stock some household items, toys, jewellery and school materials.
With one token a child can buy some marbles, a pencil or a bracelet while a few more tokens can ‘buy’ a facecloth, a toy or a school book. Other popular items are toilet paper, toothpaste, soap, two minute noodles, oats, tea, soap powder, pencils and notebooks.
“It has been noticed that at recycle swap shops children are purchasing food and everyday items to help their families make ends meet and to equip themselves for school,” says Tracy de Jager, chairperson of St Francis Bay Rotary.
The official launch of the project will take place in January 2012. “There is a lot to be done before then,” says de Jager, “and we ask all St Francis communities to support us.”
She says a team of committed volunteers to help run the project each week is needed. The shopping day at the recycle shop will be a at Talhado Children’s Haven safe complex.
“In addition Rotary appeals to local businesses, restaurants, guest house and B&Bs to also collect recyclable materials. There will be regular collections.
Rotary will be paid for recycling material by Green Guardian, a recycling partner and the funds raised will go towards keeping the recycle shop stocked.,
Volunteers keen to assist or donate should call de Jager on 083 388 6296.
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