Bin Chickens recycle for Rosies

Year 3 students at Burpengary’s St Eugene College have been posing as “bin chickens” for the past six months – all in the name of charity.

The students have been diligently sifting through campus bins in their breaks, collecting poppers, cans and bottles to raise money for charity Rosies – Friends on the Street.

Rosies provides community and connection through street outreach to those who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or socially isolated.

The idea was sparked when staff and students ran an awareness activity about Rosies as part of the St Eugene Feast Day, which inspired the Year 3 pupils to practice Service in Action – one of the college’s values.

On a mission

Teacher Rod Alizzi says students in the lunchtime club are affectionately known as the “Bin Chickens” and are on a mission to make a difference.

“With the support of their teachers the idea has blossomed into a team of children who consistently give up their breaks and own time to collect, rinse and repurpose items,” Rod says.

“I'm even hearing of collections happening over the weekend.”

While cans and bottles are exchanged for cash, lids are washed and sent to Ocean Crusaders, who partner with Lids4Kids, making bricks for park benches, bike shelters and garden beds for schools, clubs, and community groups.

The Bin Chickens began with a target of raising $100 for Rosies but have already raised $750 – collecting more than 7500 cans, bottles and popper - and are well on their way to their revised goal of $1000.

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