A Gwelup octogenarian is collecting containers for a cause.
Des Gilbert, 87, is among the thousands of West Aussies who have started to collect and deposit their recyclables for the Containers for Change initiative.
But the Des, who has managed to collect more than 1100 containers this year, has more than the good of the planet in mind.
He wants to raise a $15,000 for a state-of-the-art Tovertafel interactive projector that uses light, colour and music to stimulate, physical, social, and cognitive activity for the seniors who share his home at Baptistcare David Buttfield Centre Residential Care.
The Tovertafel or 'magic table', is a high-quality ceiling projector which beams light animations onto a table below and was developed in the Netherlands for people with cognitive challenges.
"Not only are we doing our part for the environment by preventing these containers from ending up in landfill, but we are also raising money for a significant cause," said Des.
"Giving back to the DBC Therapy Department is important to me since they do so much for the residents here that are journeying with dementia."
Des is managing every aspect of the Containers for Change project, including setting up a station to store the recyclables and accompanying DBC team members to deposit them at the local refund point.
Baptistcare DBC Therapy and Leisure Partner Clare West said employees, residents and their families are in awe of Des' commitment and passion.
"When Des told us that he wanted to help raise money for a Tovertafel we were moved by his generosity," she said.
"We have seen the amazing response residents at other Baptistcare facilities have had to the Tovertafel and are excited at the prospect of having our very own."
Clare said the fundraising bug is catching on at DBC with other residents and employees now contributing ideas to help the residential aged care facility reach its $15k Tovertafel goal.
Baptistcare David Buttfield Centre has a separate wing dedicated to dementia enrichment living in a secure and safe environment with 24 hour care by professional nurses and trained staff.
- baptistcare.com.au/donations
