An enterprising cleaner is helping raise money for the Women’s Resource Centre in Fernie by recycling items that would otherwise be thrown away.
Guy Beaulieu is employed by a number of businesses in Fernie as a cleaner, and after throwing out garbage bags filled with bottles and cans, he came up with the idea of using the recyclables to make a little extra cash.
“At first I would take the recycling to the recycling centre and then use the cash to buy myself things from the Salvation Army,” he said. “But I ran out of room! So I thought, why not use the money for a good cause?”
Guy said he chose the Women’s Resource Centre because he wanted the money to stay in the community.
“I chose a local community group to support because then I can see the money being used,” he said.
Lauren Fox, assistant coordinator of the Resource Centre, said the money is used to fund an after-school group for girls.
“We use the money to buy things like snacks, because you can’t have an after-school group without snacks!” she said.
“The group has been really successful. We have lots of girls, and often, new faces, which is great.
“We are really grateful to Guy for his contribution.”
Since Guy started collecting empties in September 2009 he has raised $317.