The “Containers for Change” scheme is, for many, a chance to earn a little bit of extra cash.
But for one South East Queensland single mum – who has survived cancer – the program and the generosity of the community is delivering much more than money can buy.
The containers are changing the lives of Kristy Stewart and her two kids.
Kristy is a brain cancer survivor who was diagnosed in 2018.
“I woke up one night having full on seizures, and found out I had a tumour five and a half centimetres in diameter (on my) right frontal lobe,” Kristy said.
Five years, multiple surgeries and several rounds of brutal chemotherapy later, Kristy is now looking forward with hope.
But, with some symptoms remaining, she can’t go back to work just yet.
“I still have these little seizures called auras when I get a bit overwhelmed,” she said.
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Meanwhile, Kristy has come up with a way to raise a little extra cash so she can spend quality family time with her kids – Alissa and Jesse – and go on a much needed family holiday.
The single mum threw out a request for cans and bottles, which can be redeemed at recycling centres for 10 cents each, on social media.
Her community has answered the call and the family have so far collected enough cans to save around $1000.
Kristy said she had been overwhelmed with the generosity of her friends and neighbours.
“A lot of people offer cash as well and I said, ‘No, I don’t want to take cash’. I’d rather do something for the kids that’s good for them to learn about,” she said.
