Locals are being called on to donate empty drink bottles and cans to collection stations as part of a new nationwide appeal to support the recovery of wildlife impacted by the Black Summer bushfires.
The TOMRA Cans for Koalas recycling appeal aims to raise $250,000 for WWF, Australia’s Wildlife and Nature Recovery Fund, by the end of May.
Every eligible drink bottle or can donated through a Reverse Vending Machine can raise 10 cents to help wildlife recover from the bushfires, including assistance in the restoration of animals’ habitats and ensuring wildlife like koalas are safe from extinction.
“Like all Australians, we were saddened by the loss of over one billion Aussie animals including koalas, kangaroos and kookaburras in the most recent bushfires, and felt compelled to do what we can to help them recover.
“So, we are urging Australians around the nation to recycle whatever drink containers they can and donate them to our Cans for Koalas Appeal,” said TOMRA Collection Solutions Australia President, Ryan Buzzell
“Following the recent success of our Bottles for the Bush campaign, which saw us double our original $250,000 donation target, we are hopeful that this initiative will engage the community and exceed our fundraising expectations,” Buzzell said.
WWFAustralia CEO, Dermot O’Gorman, said it was incredible to see partners like TOMRA and people from all over Australia banding together to protect the country’s wildlife and wild places.
“The devastation caused by these bushfires is unprecedented and the recovery work ahead is immense.
“The Cans for Koalas drive will help us continue to respond to affected wildlife and deliver long term plans and actions to restore what has been lost,” O’Gorman said.
All proceeds received will go towards supporting veterinarians who are providing care and medical treatment to injured wildlife across Australia, providing food and water to animals in bushfire impacted regions, and the restoration of habitats through tree planting projects.
Source:
Media release, Feb 24
Zoe Benham, Seven Communications