Recycling Project Takes Off in St Francis – Needs Support from the Community Lyn Aitken

Many of us are really concerned about our environment and very keen to recycle and protect what we have in this very special corner of the world. We also recognise that there are folks in our community who need a helping hand.

To tackle these issues, the St Francis Bay Rotary Club is launching a Recycle Swap Shop, modelled on the very successful project which has now run for a year in Jeffreys Bay.

But Rotary needs your help. They need:
a) Stock for the shop
b) Volunteers to help run the project each week
c) Recyclable material for collection
The Rotary Recycle Swap Shop will open for the first time at the Talhado Children's Haven inviting children from the community to bring their collected recyclables to be weighed in exchanged for point or "mulas" which they can spend in the shop.

"Our biggest challenge for this project is to ensure that we have a steady supply of stock for the swap shop," says Rotary chairperson Tracy de Jager. "The shop is the motivation for the children to keep collecting recyclables and stocking it properly is pivotal to the success of the project."

Typically the Swap shops stock basic foodstuffs, school stationary and toiletries. The most popular items in the J-Bay project shop are : Toilet Paper, Soap, 2 Minute Noodles, Oats, Balloons, Marbles, Pencils, Tea, Shoes, Clothes, Notebooks, Toothpaste etc.

No sweets and junk toys are stocked. Children can also "save" their mulas towards a goal such as a rugby ball, cricket bat, school uniform, or even a bicycle.

"For the children of Sea Vista this project buys them something meaningful each week either for themselves or to assist their families," says de Jager. "For the broader community of St Francis, it means cleaner streets and beaches and a leg up for our local environment. It really is a win/win project."

If your organisation would like to make a regular contribution towards stocking the shop, the Rotary Club will be pleased to provide the necessary receipt and letters of acknowledge to ensure that these donations qualify towards social responsibility points and carbon credits.

Volunteers keen to assist or donate should call Tracy de Jager on 0833886296, e-mail sfbrotary@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook at stfrancisrotary@groups.facebook.com.

The Banking details for donations are :
Rotary Recycling Project, ABSA Bank, Account No 9253695053 Reference : SFB followed by your surname

This project is based on the Recycle Shop Swop concept created and developed by Marilyn van Velden. Similar projects are running in Hermanus, Botrivier, Gansbaai, Knysna and Jeffreys Bay (www.swop-shop.za.net )