“Crazy” idea not so crazy after all!

Nicosia Mayor Eleni Mavrou watched a demonstration of can sorting and pressing at the Cans For Kids Recycling centre today, at the inauguration of the extended premises which are located in the municipality’s sanitary services compound.

“Seventeen years ago, when Cans For Kids was founded, many people said it was a crazy idea” said Mavrou, “but the ‘crazy people with the cans’ have demonstrated what can be achieved with dedication and volunteerism, and I assure them that the Nicosia Municipality stands at their side in their efforts”.

Environment Minister Photis Photiou officially inaugurated the recycling centre’s extensions, which were built by his Ministry, and the charity’s new automatic can baler.

The Minister praised Cans for Kids’ efforts over the last 17 years using volunteers to collect, transport and process aluminium, while also promoting awareness of recycling. He pointed out that the project also had a philanthropic end, since the funds raised were used to buy medical equipment for the children’s wards at the hospital.

“Recycling involves us all and we need citizens to understand its importance, as well as to help by making it a personal responsibility – for their own good, and for that of future generations” Photiou said.

Cans For Kids President Olga Demetriades thanked the Minister and the Mayor for their support for the charity’s work. “With your help we are implementing recycling strategies and teaching youngsters about the importance of sustainable living” she said, explaining that the improvements to the centre – a larger concrete floor and extended roof – meant even more children could benefit from school visits to learn about the importance of recycling.

The automated baler, purchased after a public appeal for funds which saw contributions pour in from individuals and companies in Cyprus and abroad, many of whom were present at the launch, can crush cans six times faster than the previous, manual, machine so the charity is hoping to increase the number of cans it processes “which will be good for