The Sunshine Coast’s much loved Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club has partnered with Containers for Change to ride a wave of fundraising success that is keeping our beaches safe for summer.
Since November 2023 the surf life saving club has collected more than 100,000 empties from their own hospitality venue for recycling, which has seen their efforts rewarded with over $10,000 in 10-cent refunds.
Natalie Roach, Chief Executive Officer of Container Exchange, the not-for-profit that runs Containers for Change, said the club’s achievement highlights the power of collaboration to deliver tangible community benefits.
“This container-collecting achievement is a win for both the environment and the future of the surf lifesaving club, supporting the amazing role they play in their local community,” Ms Roach said.
“At Containers for Change we are proud to deliver a sustainable and effective fundraising stream for organisations right across our state.
“Not only has the Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club kept every single one of those 100,000 containers from ending up as landfill or litter, each one of them has delivered a 10-cent refund.
“This has earned the club $10,000 in less than a year to support their vital work on the beach, including through their youth programs, and the important community engagement work they undertake locally.
“For 100 years the club has played such a wonderful role in the Sunshine Coast community, and we couldn’t be prouder to partner with them.
“Thank you to all the club’s staff, volunteers and members who have contributed to the Containers for Change partnership and for continuing to make it such a fundraising success.”
Helen Butler, General Manager of Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club said the club is incredibly grateful to partner with Containers for Change, a program that aligns perfectly with their values of community service, environmental stewardship, and sustainability.
“The positive impact of this partnership extends far beyond the financial support it provides,” Ms Butler said.
“The 100,000 containers collected from within our own operation at the club represent not just a significant contribution to our fundraising, but also a commitment from our staff, members and supporters to protect the pristine environment that we are so fortunate to enjoy here on the Sunshine Coast.
“Every container collected and recycled is a step towards a cleaner, more sustainable future, which is essential to the ongoing success of our club and the wellbeing of our community.
“The funds raised through this initiative are pivotal in supporting our youth development, enhancing our community outreach, and ensuring that we can continue to provide vital lifesaving services on our beaches.
“We are proud to be part of Containers for Change and equally proud of our members, volunteers, and staff who have embraced this initiative with such enthusiasm here at the club.”
Ms Butler said getting started with Containers for Change had been a great experience from day one.
“Partnering with Containers for Change couldn’t have been easier. We were assisted every step of the way and were set up with a local Containers for Change operator who supplied everything we needed, making the whole process seamless.
“It really is a testament to what can be achieved when organisations and communities come together with a shared purpose.”
Natalie Roach said around $3 million was raised by charities and community groups across Queensland through Containers for Change last financial year adding to the millions of dollars in funds already raised by charities since the scheme began.
“Containers for Change is making a positive impact on our state’s environment and delivering real benefits to organisations that make a difference in the lives of Queenslanders every day,” she said.
“With more than $13 million in 10-cent refunds paid to charities and community groups since 2018, we want no container to go to waste, which is why I am urging even more community organisations to turn their empties into a valuable revenue stream.
“The 10-cent refunds can really add up, helping to ease some of the increased cost and fundraising pressures charities and community groups are currently facing.
“Best of all it has never been easier to get started on a container collecting journey. Simply visit our website or download the Containers for Change app to sign-up and watch those 10-cent refunds grow.”
Media Contact:
Benjamin Mulcahy
m | 0437 370 139
e | media@containerexchange.com.au
