
case study
Turning refunds into care for vulnerable animals
A Mildura charity has raised thousands of dollars through CDS Vic. We spoke with them about how they made their Cans for Canines collection program such a success.
Narelle Archibald knows the impact small changes can have. As treasurer of the Mt Eliza Tennis Club, she’s seen empty drink containers turn into $1700.
“We started off just taking our own cans and bottles down to the depot,” Narelle says. Those few donations quickly ramped up as the club became an over-the-counter refund point.
Club President Lil Shinkfiel is a fan.
“We always have to come up with more ideas to raise much-needed funds for our clubhouse and for the gardens,” she explains. “It’s 10 cents we get for every container [donated] so we’re generating quite a lot of money.”
The Mt Eliza club is a prime example of how sports clubs all over the state can get together and turn their empties into change. As part of a partnership between Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme and Tennis Victoria, they’ve had all the support they need to get fundraising.
“It’s been such a simple, easy process,” says Narelle.
“There are plenty of resources,” Lil agrees. “Whether you’re a big club, small club, it doesn’t matter.”
Both women encouraged clubs to get set up as donation partners and start earning. Collecting and donating containers has been a particular hit with the club’s younger members.
“The kids think, ‘I’m doing a really good thing,’” Narelle says. “Highly recommend it.”

A Mildura charity has raised thousands of dollars through CDS Vic. We spoke with them about how they made their Cans for Canines collection program such a success.

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