A local recycling group has bagged a national award for its sustainability efforts, which include recycling nine tonnes of aluminium since September 2019.
Aluminium Can Recyclers for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, run by Janice and David Lipscombe, won the Green Can Award from Every Can Counts, a non-profit organisation, honouring their sustainability efforts.
The group boasts over 239 members on Facebook along with a strong presence in the local community, and it manages 40 outdoor and 12 indoor collection points around Hampshire.
The duo works tirelessly collecting recyclable items from diverse locations including homes, pubs, clubs, church halls, and a vineyard, extending their efforts to Winchester, Basingstoke, Marchwood and Totton by aiding local litter picking teams.
Janice Lipscombe, leader of Aluminium Can Recyclers for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, said: "We’re so grateful for the support Every Can Counts has given us and couldn’t be prouder of our team after winning the Green Can Award.
"When we first began collecting recyclable items back in September 2019, we were only able to make a £12 donation to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance but since then it’s completely snowballed, with us now giving over 50 times that amount monthly.
"We could never have predicted the success we’ve seen and wouldn’t have been able to pull it off without the help of each and every member of our growing team, including Alison and Martin Kukla, who are a great support in the Winchester area."
Natalie Russell, Support Worker Engagement Officer at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, said: "The Aluminium Recycling Group have been phenomenal champions of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, raising over £7,000 in 2023 alone.
“Not only do they help us save lives when every minute counts, but they’re protecting our environment, one can at a time. Our patients and their families are grateful for their hard work, and they thoroughly deserve this award."
The vast array of recyclable items like aluminium packaging, electric cables, brass and copper, collected by the group is sold to H&S Metal Recycling Centre and Bryan Hurst Ltd. The proceeds go towards the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.
The group has so far donated a whopping £17,400 to the Air Ambulance service, assisting in the operational costs of life-saving helicopters.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here