Cork Man’s Charity Drive Turns Bottles and Cans into Hope for Mercy Hospital
By [Your Name] | [Date]
In a remarkable act of community spirit, Cork resident Dave O’Leary has launched a successful fundraising initiative for the Mercy Hospital Foundation by collecting excess plastic bottles and cans. This creative campaign not only pays tribute to a dear friend lost to cancer but also emphasizes the importance of eco-friendly practices in charity work.
A Personal Touch to Charity
Dave O’Leary, an operator at the Pepsi plant in Little Island, started this meaningful fundraiser in late August of this year. It was inspired by his late friend, Ian, who received treatment at Mercy University Hospital before succumbing to cancer three years ago. "They were very good to him when he was going through his treatment, so this is something very close to my heart," O’Leary shared during a recent interview.
The idea sparked during the Cork City Marathon when O’Leary noticed participants collecting bottles and cans. Intrigued, he struck up a conversation with fellow runners. "I got chatting to a guy who mentioned they were collecting for charity, and I thought that would be a great idea for the Mercy Hospital," he explained.
Turning Trash into Treasure
The initiative has taken the form of strategically placed blue bins adorned with the Mercy Hospital Foundation logo throughout the Pepsi plant. O’Leary encourages employees to deposit their used plastic bottles and cans, emphasizing the ease and positivity of recycling for a good cause. "Obviously, there are a lot of Pepsi cans about, so people can deposit them there," he remarked.
As of now, O’Leary and his colleagues have successfully gathered over 6,000 cans and nearly 9,000 plastic bottles, amounting to an estimated €700 in funds raised. "I keep all the receipts and transactions and hand them in at the end of the month to Pepsi," he noted. Notably, Pepsi matches whatever amount is raised, which means the fundraising total may reach closer to €1,000 by the time they present the final cheque in December.
Sustained Success and Future Plans
Initially intended as a month-long effort, the campaign’s success prompted the HR department at Pepsi to extend it. O’Leary noted, "It was only supposed to run for a month, but it just kind of grew stronger and stronger." This led to multiple extensions, with plans for the initiative to continue through December.
Looking ahead, O’Leary revealed that the company aims to reintroduce this environmental and charitable initiative next year, targeting a different charity of choice for a full 12 months. "The plan is after this one finishes, we’ll have another one for 12 months and then donate all proceeds at the end of the year," he stated.
O’Leary is keen to conclude the campaign with a final push and plans to set up a GoFundMe page at the end of November. “I want to give this one last push before we hand over a cheque in December,” he added.
Community and Environmental Impact
This fundraising effort transcends mere charity; it combines environmental consciousness with community support, making it a model for future activities across the region. O’Leary’s initiative highlights the potential of collective efforts in tackling issues both big and small—ranging from supporting local healthcare institutions to promoting sustainable practices among local industries.
As O’Leary eloquently stated, "Everybody is touched by cancer, and the work they do inside there [Mercy Hospital], they deal with everything across the board, from elderly people to young kids; it’s phenomenal." His commitment to honoring his friend’s memory while simultaneously benefiting the community deserves widespread recognition, showcasing how individual initiatives can bring about significant change.
As this inspiring story unfolds, it serves as a powerful reminder that creativity and compassion can lead to concrete action. By engaging in sustainable practices, community members can support vital institutions while reaffirming their commitment to the environment.
Let’s keep the conversation going! How do you think small community initiatives can make a difference in addressing larger societal issues? Share your thoughts below or join the discussion on social media.
