Partnerships returning, earning
MATT GOODWIN manages the new automated Return and Earn facility in Douglas Mawson Drive, but the job isn’t confined to that site.
The operation runs on volume, with Vinnies collecting a fee on every item that goes through the plant, but with such slim margins they’re looking to bulk up the money the service raises by working with local businesses to collect their cans and bottles.
“We’re very fortunate that some businesses have signed up as partners, and the Shearing Shed Motor Inn has very generously come on board. They’re very kindly donating their cans and bottles to Vinnies to process and use for good causes in the charity work,” Mr Goodwin told
He sees that when Vinnies gets the 10 cent rebate as well, it supercharges the whole operation.
“It really does, it provides a service to the business, they’re reducing their waste costs and carbon footprint, and we’re getting the chance to maximise the benefit we can get out of the process,” he said.
He’s hoping other businesses want to sign on as partners to help Vinnies to be able to do even more for the less fortunate in the community.
“It’s a mixture of both at this stage, we’ve had some businesses come forward, and some hotels, motels and clubs. They’re the volume users so we’re looking to maximise what we can do for them as well,” Mr Goodwin said.
“It mightn’t sound like much, 10 cents an item, but volume turns that into genuine dollars.
“A lot of people are still putting them in council recycling bins.” He said people walk down the street and drop cans and bottles in the bin, so he’s hoping more of those people will start donating those to Vinnies program instead. “Just little steps (like that) go a long way towards helping any good cause, whether it’s Vinnies or another charity,” Mr Goodwin said.
Anne and Trevor Ray from the Shearing Shed Motor Inn made the approach to Vinnies to see how they could help, and Mr Goodwin realises Vinnies is lucky to have them on board.
“I think most people are community-minded, we just need to remind ourselves that no matter what time of year or what we’re doing, there are people that aren’t as well off as us and who are having trouble in their lives – and we can all help them out,” Mr Goodwin said.