Sweethearts Foundation collectors operate across the country, from schools to offices and homes. Photo credit: The Sweethearts Foundation.
For more than ten years, The Sweethearts Foundation has given hundreds of people the gift of movement by providing wheelchairs. The money to fund the community-supported project is raised by collecting bread tags and bottle caps, which are paid by recycling companies that process the plastic. Gemma Gatik talk to Jessica GordonSweethearts vice president, to find out more.
Why was the Sweethearts Foundation founded?
The dream behind the foundation is to give movement to every individual in the country. The Sweethearts Foundation believes in creating a more Earth-friendly environment. A wheelchair should be recognized as a human right and anyone who needs one should have one.
So we tried to make a change, one bottle at a time. It took three years to collect tags and covers before there was enough for the first wheelchair. The foundation was established on Valentine’s Day in 2013, when our first wheelchair was handed over to Dora Williams. We have given away about 498 wheelchairs ordered since then.
How are bottle caps and bread tags used to buy wheelchairs?
Together with the help of our volunteers, a significant amount of bread tags and plastic bottle tops were collected and then recycled by a local recycling company. The recycling company in return, pays for the collection and we buy a wheelchair. Standard wheelchairs are funded through 1 750kg bottle caps or 350kg bread tags.
More often than not, the beneficiaries need something more specific and thus the amount is often more. Because we work on a case-by-case basis, together with occupational therapists who recommend the most suitable wheelchair for each beneficiary, we use assessments to give people something to be able to go to.
How long does it take to collect enough tops and tags for one wheelchair?
It all depends on the season and reason. As all our wheelchairs are bespoke, prices range from R3 500 to R 80 000 per seat; to collect for more bespoke chairs, take a lot more. It also depends on the top number of bottles we receive.
During the winter months we receive a lot less, but before the December holidays, when the school has cleared out and people are preparing for the holidays, we benefit from the influx of above and tags.
Where did the tip and tag come from?
We have collectors, better known as sweethearts, all over the country who collect at home, workplace, in the morning or at school. They take the collection to the official collection point (which is run by our lovely Sweethearts volunteers).
We have partnered with an express parcel delivery company, Inter Town Transport, to transport the tops and tags to our recycling partners. People can find their nearest collection point by navigating the interactive map on our website here.
Why is an initiative like this necessary?
There are many people out there who have never experienced the joy of movement. They are carried by their mothers until they are very big and then spend time in their own little bubble. The idea is just destructive. And, of course, by collecting tops and tags, we will leave our place on Earth healthier and cleaner for future generations.
How much plastic has been recycled so far and how many wheelchairs have been donated?
To make everything fair and equal for everyone who needs our help, we collect all the collections from around the country and any funding generated is used to make wheelchairs for the beneficiaries at the top of the waiting list. Once we collect enough plastic or receive enough donations, we make a wheelchair, donate it to someone in need, and then move on to the next person on the list.
We have given away about 498 special wheelchairs. As for the amount of recycling, it is very difficult to say, but we say many, many tons.
What types of bottle caps can be collected?
The general rule is that we only collect the top of the bottle with #2 or #5 resin. It’s the little recycling number on the top of the bottle. As a rule of thumb, we always tell Sweethearts: “If you can drink the product, you can keep the lid on.” In general, covers from household detergents, peanut butter and mayonnaise are not included. We do not accept metal tops, caps or lids.
Coca-Cola caps, milk bottles, water bottles and colddrink bottles are all acceptable. Even the pull cap of the Energade and Pump water bottles can be collected, although we can not take the clear top that fits through the mouthpiece.
Is this plastic recycled?
The plastic received by our recycling partners is usually melted down and sold to plastic manufacturers who then use it to make new items, such as picture frames, seedling trays and sometimes outdoor furniture.
How can people help or get involved?
It is always good to have interest from people who can help us in making a major difference in people’s lives. We invite people to follow us on social media and contact us to let us know how they can get involved – whether it’s collecting, registering as a collection point, fundraising, admin or logistics marketing.
How big is The Sweethearts Foundation team?
The team continues to grow. We have all the beautiful volunteers in the country (some of whom we don’t even know) who actively ensure and help us make a difference. The Sweethearts Foundation is so lucky to have a community of thousands behind us.
If there was only one thing you wanted people to know about the foundation, what would it be?
The Sweetheart’s Foundation is a 100% national, community-based, and volunteer-based non-profit organization. All our funds are given only to give movement gifts. Our volunteers range from everyday volunteers to high-ranking individuals who balance work and family by helping others. Every little top and every little tag makes a difference.
What do you believe has been the most important achievement of the foundation to date?
By 2021, we can hand over 50 wheelchairs.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Willing outreach to deliver wheelchairs; leave it there feeling that you have been given a gift, a gift of happiness.
This is the first edited version of the article published by Treevolution. Subscribe to their newsletter here.