Brighten the lives of sick kids with TOMRA and Cleanaway

Every minute of every day a child is admitted to hospital in Australia. In that moment, they often receive a diagnosis that turns their world upside down. Suddenly, smiles disappear, and life is filled with feelings of isolation and loneliness.

To combat this, TOMRA and Cleanaway are launching a new nationwide appeal for Aussies to turn their empty drink containers into smiles and support, bringing happiness to up to 6,000 sick kids like Aru and their families.

Until April 2022, you can help brighten the lives of sick kids simply by donating your drink container refund(s) to Starlight at any TOMRA recycling machines (Return and Earn in NSW, Containers for Change TOMRA Recycling Centres in QLD, WA, or at TOMRA Coconut Grove in Darwin, NT).

Launching in time for National Recycling Week 2021, the appeal - called Containers 4 Kids - is the latest initiative from TOMRA-Cleanaway and Starlight Children's Foundation.​

'Containers 4 Kids' aims to raise $250,000 through recycling of drink containers. Every eligible bottle or can donated raises 10c for Starlight. All the funds raised will ensure Starlight can deliver its vital in-hospital services, including Captain Starlight and the Starlight Express Rooms, across the state.​

"Recycling through Return and Earn and donating to Containers 4 Kids is a great way to support Starlight's vital services while helping the environment. We're proud to be working with TOMRA to promote this important cause."

- David Clancy, General Manager Cleanaway Solid Waste Services NSW, the logistics provider for Return and Earn

One hundred per cent of the refunds will go directly to Starlight Children's Foundation, helping us deliver vital in-hospital programs, including Captain Starlight and the Starlight Express Rooms, bringing back the fun and happiness that's essential to childhood.

"Starlight has been there for sick kids throughout the challenges of the past 18 months. Only with the help of the community and our valued partners such as TOMRA and Cleanaway can we continue to bring happiness to sick kids when they need it most.

For every resident in NSW, QLD, WA and NT who chooses to donate their refund at their local Return and Earn point, will ensure Starlight help turn the isolation and loneliness of hospitalisation into fun, joy and laughter. Why? Because happiness matters."

- Louise Baxter, CEO of Starlight

"Due to the pandemic, visitations are heavily restricted, hospital life has been tougher and sick kids in hospital are experiencing the heartbreak of isolation from loved ones - the need for Starlight's vital services and positive distraction has never been greater.

So, if recyclers can find it in their hearts to donate even just one in ten of their empty bottles and cans, we can protect our natural environment and exceed the Containers 4 Kids fundraising target of $250,000."

- Matt Kean, NSW Minister for the Environment

Containers 4 Kids recycling appeal will run until 3 April 2022.