Forbes Public School has raised more than $900 for Little Wings just by recycling drink containers through Return and Earn.

From November 2023 to November 2024, students at Forbes Public School recycled an impressive 9063 containers raising a total of $906.30 to support the Little Wings charity , which provides vital services to children and families in need.

Little Wings has been the Return and Earn donation partner for the past six months, up to October 20, and donations totalled nearly $200,00.

Clare Pearson, CEO of children’s charity Little Wings, said Return and Earn had grown to become an important part of the Little Wings service - helping them fuel planes and make a difference in the lives of seriously ill children and their families.

“The money raised in this campaign will have an important impact on the lives of hundreds of children by giving them access to life-saving treatments in major city hospitals," Ms Pearson said.

"We are so grateful for the support and belief in the Little Wings mission by Return and Earn and recyclers in communities across NSW.

“I would like to congratulate Little Wings for its fundraising efforts, including setting up partnerships with schools and businesses who collect containers and donate the refunds to charity."

Forbes Public School dedicated themselves to the task of raising funds for Little Wings after the charity helped a school family.

By participating in this program Forbes Public School has not only contributed to reducing waste but has also demonstrated its commitment to environmental stewardship.

"We are thrilled to see such enthusiastic participation from our students in the recycling program," Forbes Public School principal Mrs Amber Avis said.

"This initiative not only teaches our students about the importance of recycling and sustainability but also allows them to make a positive impact on our community."

Throughout the year students participated in various activities designed to promote recycling awareness.

Return and Earn has become a key fundraising channel for many charities and community groups across NSW.

Since the scheme launched in 2017, more than $62 million has been raised through donations and fees from hosting return points.

Now they've launch a six-month appeal to raise funds for food relief organisation Foodbank NSW and ACT - who have made a delivery to Forbes just this month.

The six-month recycling appeal was launched this week at a Return and Earn machine in Eastern Creek, alongside John Robertson, CEO of Foodbank NSW and ACT, Danielle Smalley, CEO of Exchange for Change, scheme coordinator for Return and Earn and Michelle Mandl, General Manager, Communications, Customer & Engagement at TOMRA Cleanaway, network operator for Return and Earn.

Foodbank NSW & ACT provides much needed food assistance to individuals and families across NSW and the ACT.

“At Foodbank, we believe everyone should have access to the food they need, and we are here for everyday Australians who are going without. We currently provide more than 26 million meals each year for those in urgent need,” Mr Robertson said.

This year’s Foodbank Hunger Report reveals food insecurity in Australia has reached a critical point, with one in three NSW households facing hunger.

This equates to one million households facing food-insecurity in NSW alone, with 75 per cent of households saying cost of living is the primary cause.

“Food insecurity doesn't discriminate, it can affect any of us at any time, and its continuing to impact people that have never been impacted before. Our crucial mission is to make food available to those who need it most, but we can’t do it without the support of our communities and partners,” Mr Robertson said.

From now until April 21, 2025, every eligible bottle and can donated to the Foodbank NSW and ACT appeal at a Return and Earn machine or on the Return and Earn app at participating return points, will raise 10c toward the $250,000 goal to support their important work.

“The Foodbank appeal is an easy way for the NSW community to support this life-changing organisation to feed families in need.

“Donating just five bottles or cans helps fund one meal, so I encourage everyone to get behind this cause and help us reach our target of $250,000,” said Ms Smalley.

The new Foodbank appeal builds on Return and Earn’s continued success in raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for families in need.

“Thank you to Return and Earn and to the people of NSW for supporting the Foodbank appeal this summer and our mission to end hunger,” Mr. Roberston said.

Return and Earn is a partnership between the NSW Government, scheme coordinator Exchange for Change and network operator TOMRA Cleanaway.

For more information visit www.returnandearn.org.au