Lending a can for environmental change
Alder Constructions is helping Gold Coast recycling icon, 10 Cent Tom reach his goal of creating a recycling plant on the Gold Coast – one recycling donation at a time.
Tom, who has an intellectual impairment and was diagnosed with severe scoliosis at the age of 15 has dedicated his life to becoming a recycling ambassador for the Gold Coast community, collecting bottles and cans via his business 10 Cent Tom.
While Tom started out collecting cans and bottles to make some pocket money, he soon decided to make a business out of the venture with 10 Cent Tom Wheelie Bins.
“A few years ago I started collecting bottles and cans from my neighbourhood and in the beginning I loved being able to get to know my neighbours and make friends while earning a bit of pocket money,” says Tom.
“I found I love the challenge and adventurous aspects of collecting containers from my neighbours so I decided to make it a business.
“My mum and I drop off and pick up 10 Cent Tom Wheelie Bins all throughout the Gold Coast from Pimpama to Palm Beach and we will expand to Brisbane in the near future.”
Alder Constructions have worked hard to raise awareness and funds for 10 Cent Tom throughout the year by placing 10 Cent Tom Wheelie Bins at Alder HQ and their Gold Coast project sites and by including 10 Cent Tom into their corporate days.
Alder Constructions HSE and HR manager Paul Fullwood says by supporting 10 Cent Tom the company is fostering positive change in the workplace by encouraging staff to recycle while contributing to building better communities.
“Here is a kid, in spite of his disabilities he is doing jobs people don’t actually like to do and, in the process, he is making a big difference,” says Mr Fullwood.
“When it comes to recycling, most people want to do the right thing but often they don’t know where to start. 10 Cent Tom provides a pathway for us to encourage staff to participate in a recycling initiative while helping Tom to achieve his goals.
“We are on a mission to create positive change in the communities in which we live with the overall goal of building a better community.
“This is a wonderful starting point for other environmental initiatives that we have on our agenda. Let’s start a ripple and let it expand.”
Alder Constructions encourages all Gold Coast businesses to get their own 10 Cent Tom Wheelie Bin in their workplace. Doing so will not only help Tom reach his goal of opening a recycling depot on the Gold Coast but he also plans to employ locals with disabilities.
To support Tom with his goal, follow the link below or reach out at info@10centtom.com.au.
