One inspiring Brighton pensioner is proving that small actions can have a big impact.
For Helen Holdey, what began as a simple gesture of picking up the odd bottle here and there off the nature strip, has now grown into a dedicated mission of caring for the planet as well as local wildlife.
“It was my friend Colleen’s commitment and selfless caring towards sick, injured and orphaned possums which impressed me,” Helen said. “It was her idea to start collecting containers and I immediately volunteered to help.
“So, with a small trolley, and my eager four-legged assistant, I set off. My very first payout from Containers For Change was a grand total of $97.30 – I was ecstatic!”
Making a Difference, One Container at a Time
Rain or shine, Helen has diligently been committed to her cause. This year alone, she has kept more than 7000 containers out of the landfill and donated over $700 to wildlife care.
“The acts of kindness from complete strangers are simply overwhelming,” she said. “Kevin, the person who collects our bounty, kindly gave me two white wheelie bins and an endless supply of bags. I also now have 14 clients who keep their containers for me to pick up, as well as one lady who regularly drops her supply of wine bottles off in my carport.”
Although Helen is somewhat of a local legend, her kindness and generosity come to her naturally.
“My late dad was kind and caring,” she said. “This type of venture is what he would have done.”
If you have any containers you’d like to donate to this cause, please contact Helen at prinnie7@icloud.com.
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