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By Alessia Proietti

July 16: $10,000 goal

Bottle Drive in Red Deer to support Kids with Cancer Society

Jun 29, 2022 | 11:34 AM

A little CAN go a long way this July 16 in Red Deer with a bottle drive for the Kids with Cancer Society.

From 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., residents can donate their bottles and cans at two drop-off locations and sponsors for the fundraiser: First Choice Collision (7493 49 Ave) and Gorts TruckWash (8001 Edgar Industrial). As well, 25 per cent of every wash at Gorts will also be donated.

This year’s bottle drive is once again being run by Matthew Wyntjes and sister-in-law Tawnee Moore. The two brought the fundraiser to the city when the cause hit close to home.

Three years ago, Wyntjes’ nephew, Bennett, was diagnosed with brain cancer at the young age of three. Having to frequently bring her son to and from Edmonton for treatment, Moore had to leave her job. Without income, Wyntjes says Moore struggled financially with expenses such as gas, overnight stays and food in Edmonton.

“The Kids with Cancer Society reached out to offer their assistance for her and they made an almost impossible thing possible just to help with the expenses,” he said.

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Upon seeing the generous work of The Society, Wyntjes said he wanted to find a way to give back. As Edmonton and Calgary both had bottle drives for the charity, he and Moore decided to bring one to Red Deer two years ago.

Bennett, now six, is recovering from an emergency surgery last year after two rounds of chemotherapy and will potentially go through future rounds.

“Scary. Fear for the child when they’re so young, so sweet, so innocent and they get affected so tragically. It just pulls on the heartstrings a lot harder than an adult,” said Wyntjes, speaking from personal experience after having lost his son this February in a car accident.

In 2020, the pair raised roughly $9,000 through the bottle drive. In 2021, Wyntjes said he could not participate in the drive due to health conditions that put him on work disability and so, Moore raised approximately $1,800. This year, Wyntjes said nothing is stopping him to reach his goal of $10,000.

“Donate, donate, donate, and help the cause because one day, somebody might need it. Without donations, a charity like that can’t move forward and help people in need,” he said.

Before July 16, Wyntjes is offering to pick up donations directly form people’s homes, and he has already collected two truckloads, he says. Those interested can call 403 877-4694.

The Delburne Bottle Depot has also committed to matching 10 per cent of the profits made by the bottles on July 16.

Bottle Drive on July 16 for Kids with Cancer Society (Facebook)