CANS FOR KOALAS APPEAL PROVIDES RELIEF TO BUSHFIRE AFFECTED AUSSIE WILDLIFE

TOMRA Collection Solutions are today launching a nationwide appeal to give Aussies the unique opportunity to donate their empty drink bottles and cans to help provide ongoing care and recovery to wildlife in the wake of Australia’s devastating bushfires.

The TOMRA 'Cans for Koalas' recycling appeal aims to raise $250,000 for WWF-Australia’s Wildlife and Nature Recovery Fund by the end of May. Every eligible drink bottle or can donated through a TOMRA Reverse Vending Machine will raise 10 cents to help our wildlife recover from the bushfires, including assistance in the restoration of animals’ habitats and ensuring wildlife like koalas are safe from extinction.

“Like all Australians, we were saddened by the loss of over one billion Aussie animals including koalas, kangaroos and kookaburras in the most recent bushfires, and felt compelled to do what we can to help them recover. So we are urging Australians around the nation to recycle whatever drink containers they can and donate them to our Cans for Koalas Appeal,” commented Ryan Buzzell, President of TOMRA Collection Solutions Australia.

From today, recyclers in NSW, QLD and NT will have the option to donate their containers at any TOMRA recycling machine by selecting “donate” on the screen and choosing Cans for Koalas, with WWF-Australia the recipient of 10 cents per eligible bottle or can.

“Following the recent success of our Bottles for the Bush campaign - which saw us double our original $250,000 donation target,  - combined with the popularity of Container Deposit Schemes, we are hopeful that this initiative will engage the community and exceed our fund raising expectations,” adds Buzzell.

WWF-Australia CEO Dermot O’Gorman said: “It is truly incredible to see partners like TOMRA and people from all over Australia banding together to protect our wildlife and wild places. The devastation caused by these bushfires is unprecedented and the recovery work ahead is immense. The Cans for Koalas drive will help us continue to respond to affected wildlife and deliver long-term plans and actions to restore what has been lost."

All proceeds received through this initiative will be donated to WWF-Australia’s Wildlife and Nature Recovery Fund and go towards supporting veterinarians who are providing care and medical treatment to injured wildlife across Australia, providing food and water to animals in bushfire impacted regions and the restoration of habitats through tree planting projects.

The campaign kicks off today and will run until August 2020. Updates on funds raised and tangible outcomes will be posted to TOMRA’s Facebook page.

To find your nearest return point, go to mytomra.com or show your support on social media using #cansforkoalas.