Recycle for Humanity
Special Programs
The EXTRA Cans program doesn’t just end with craft service tables and can collectors. Hennessey has created several special events to both promote the campaign as well as bring in recyclables for the homeless.
In 2007, he is looking foward to producing fundraisers including a Comedy for Cans night and the EXTRA Cans Concert.
Another promotion has been the Million CANs March program, a 44-day event that kicked off on Earth Day this year and ended on June 4, the birthday of Hennessey’s mother. The program encouraged people to gather as many recyclables as possible in the 44 days, and donate the proceeds from refunds to a cause that benefits the needy.
Based solely on the number of people who reported their drop-offs, the Million CANs March led to the recycling of 364,255 bottles and cans. While this wasn’t quite a million, the program is set to continue next year over the same timeframe.
Hennessey is also planning to expand the reach of the program to benefit other causes. In October 2008 proceeds will benefit breast cancer, and in December 2008 they will benefit AIDS, of which he is a 17-year survivor.
“We talk about works of righteousness, but how about righteousness that works?” says Hennessey. “We have now humanized recycling and put a face on it; it’s changing people’s lives.”
Sources:
