56, 320 reasons this can-do spirit is tops

Meet the rural Lions member making a big difference for those in need of wheelchairs.

I CAN DO THIS: Margaret Mears has collected 16kg worth of can tops, which she will donate to make a wheelchair. Picture: Amy Collins

WHAT do you get when you trade in 16kilograms of titanium? A wheelchair.

Margaret Mears' collecting efforts have been no laughing matter. After attending a Lions state convention last year, she admits she became hooked on particular idea - collecting the tops of cans.

Her goal was 50,000, enough to buy a new wheelchair for someone in need.

"I've collected eight bags at 2kg each. I figured out that 352 tops equals 100 grams, and I know I have 16kg of tops so that's 56,320 tops," she said.

"I've been working with Lions Club of Wivenhoe Pocket, and at this weekend's convention I will be handing over all the tops which will then be cashed in. That cash amount is enough for a new wheelchair.

"I'm really proud of what I've done so far and I look forward to continuing to do it."

Ms Mears said the donations were a real team effort, with the majority of the tops donated from Tambo.

"My nephew works up there and last week he brought down 13kg of tops from Tambo," she said.

"The Royal Carrangarra Hotel donated them, but they've also come from the golf club and a lot of people collect them and give them to Scott at the multi-purpose centre.

"In Charleville, there are about 8 or 10 people collecting for me here. We've already posted 8kg of tops earlier this year.

"We're hoping more people learn about this and start donating more tops so we can help buy more wheelchairs for people who need them."

Ms Mears said she urged keen recyclers to remove their can tops before they cash in their containers for change hauls.

"They still get their 10cents per can and we get the bonus of the tops, it would be great if more people could do that," she said.

"People are free to drop their tops off to my house and should give me a call."

Ms Mears said she urged any community members keen to help to give her a call on 0428792001.

"Or better yet, come down to the next Lions meeting at the Lions den on October 15," she said.

Originally published as 56, 320 reasons this can-do spirit is tops