JEFFREYS BAY – The JBay Recycling Project is gearing up for its biggest Christmas celebration yet, expecting 300 children to attend this year’s festive gathering on 8 December at their recycling site along Sarah Baartman Avenue in Pellsrus, Jeffreys Bay.
As previously reported, since its inception in 2011, the NPO’s mission has been to alleviate poverty and pollution by providing access to basic essentials for children, while simultaneously cleaning up the environment and educating the youth about the importance of a healthy environment.
Tanja Lategan, JBay Recycling Project coordinator, said that this year they have had an average of 183 children join their recycling drop-offs each Monday, which has meant they have had to increase their capacity recently.
To celebrate these young recyclers, the organisation hosts an annual Christmas celebration and expects at least 300 children to join this year’s event.
The celebration has evolved significantly over the years, reflecting the growing economic pressures facing local families.
“We used to just include toys and treats, but since the cost of living has hit families increasingly hard, we are including more basic groceries and toiletries every year. We also do our best to reward regular contributors by offering them a gift to thank them on behalf of the community for the effort they have made,” said Lategan.
Lategan said that the project’s environmental achievements this year have been substantial, with 80 tons of recycling collected.
“The environmental impact of recycling is difficult to quantify in one simple number. You can look at carbon miles, CO₂ emissions or monetary value, but is it possible to put a value on clean streets and beaches, the lives of wild creatures, and clean air to breathe?” said Lategan.
“Removing 80 tons of recycling saves all the resources involved in producing those materials from scratch, which includes extracting crude oil, mining and smelting metals, cutting down trees, and making glass by extracting, melting and moulding raw materials, all processes that take a massive toll on the environment.”
Lategan said that this year’s Christmas party will take place on 8 December, with setup beginning at 10:00.
Since it is going to be a busy day, being their last recycling day for the year, which will begin at 12 noon, she said that they would appreciate additional volunteers.
Last year’s celebration set a high standard, with each child receiving a comprehensive package including 500g porridge, 240g peanut butter, a noodle kit, tin fish, a packet of biscuits, sweets, flavoured milk, a boerewors roll, a cupcake, and a stocking treat such as a soft toy or pack of cards.
To ensure that each child receives similar items and more, Lategan said that they have set up an online donation platform on their website where they seek R200 per child. She said that they would also appreciate donations of braai materials, coal, wood, boerewors, rolls, and ketchup.
Lategan further thanked all those who have contributed towards the JBay Recycling Project’s success.
“Thank you to everyone who continues to support the Project, whether through time, donations, or encouragement. Your contribution directly impacts the children and helps us end the year with hope, dignity, and joy,” said Lategan.
For more information, contact Tanja Lategan at 084 684 6771 or email jbayrecyclingproject@gmail.com.
To donate, visit the JBay Recycling Project website.
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