The operator of the recently established Deposit Return Scheme has launched a new fundraising initiative in partnership with six charities.
Re-turn plans to work with organisers of big events like festivals, concerts and major sporting events where attendees can place their plastic bottles and cans in a central collection point.
The proceeds of the deposits on the bottles are then collected and divided between the six charities.
They are all children's charities - Barnardos Ireland, Barretstown, Childline by ISPCC, Jack & Jill, LauraLynn Children's Hospice and Make-A-Wish Ireland.
It is understood that it is the first time that these six charities have come together under one umbrella campaign.
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Collectively, the six charities represent over 165,000 service users made up of vulnerable children in our communities who are affected by poverty, abuse, neglect and bereavement and also children whose lives are affected by serious childhood illness, in some cases life-limiting.
"This campaign will initially be rolled out across large-scale events, allowing visitors to donate to these worthy charities, if they wish to do so," Ciaran Foley, CEO of Re-turn said
"The donation stations will give attendees the chance to make a positive difference to children in local communities up and down the country by donating their bottles and cans. Consumers still have the option to bring their empty plastic bottle and cans back to their nearest deposit return points to get their money back.
"Our collaboration with Re-turn demonstrates our shared commitment to supporting vulnerable children and those with serious illnesses across Ireland, while also promoting environmental sustainability," the charities said in a collective statement.
The new initiative will be up and running for the 'Taste of Dublin' this weekend, at Electric Picnic in August and at the Ploughing Championships in September.
