Cans For Kids is a Cyprus-based volunteer charity dedicated to recycling aluminium cans in order to support children’s healthcare across the island.
Founded in 1990 by journalist Rosie Charalambous and a group of committed volunteers, the organisation has grown into a nationwide community initiative involving schools, businesses, municipalities, and individual citizens.
For more than three decades, volunteers have collected, sorted, stored, and sold aluminium cans — with all proceeds going toward essential medical equipment for public paediatric hospitals across Cyprus.
Because the organisation is entirely volunteer-driven, operating costs are kept to a minimum — ensuring the maximum possible amount is directed toward helping children who need specialised medical care.
Behind this simple idea lies a well-organised, community-based system connecting people across Cyprus.
Cans collected through a wide network of can banks, schools, and businesses across the island.
All activities — collecting, transport, and sorting — carried out by dedicated volunteers.
Cans are brought to the Green Point in Nicosia, sorted, and prepared for sale.
School visits and presentations inspire the next generation of recyclers.
Proceeds purchase essential medical equipment for paediatric hospitals.
Donated over €350,000 worth of medical equipment to children’s wards across Cyprus.
Diverted millions of aluminium cans from landfills — reducing waste and conserving resources.
Conducted hundreds of school visits and educational talks to inspire a new generation.
Supported life-changing surgeries and specialist treatments for children across Cyprus.
Built a nationwide volunteer network spanning schools, businesses, and municipalities.
The heart of Cans for Kids — an extraordinary network of people giving their time across Cyprus.
Travel across the island to collect cans from can banks, schools, businesses, and homes.
Meets regularly at the Nicosia Green Point to sort and prepare cans for recycling.
Promote recycling locally, manage can banks and support events.
Visit schools, give presentations and inspire younger generations to recycle.
Our Board is elected annually at the AGM — guided by decades of dedication and a shared mission.
President
Founder and long-standing advocate for environmental and social causes.
![Maria Myles](https://cansforkids.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/cfk-board-maria-circle.jpg")
Vice President
Journalist focusing on environmental issues and youth engagement.
Secretary
Background in education and communications.
Treasurer
Retired IT professional and active volunteer.
Board Member
Teacher and long-time supporter of community initiatives.
Board Member
Retired journalist with strong interest in environmental and social issues.
Board Member
Tourism expert and active contributor to sustainability and civil society.
