At Living Choice Kawana Island, 80-year-old Marion Hempfing and her 97-year-old husband Klaus have turned a simple act of recycling into a powerful way to support local families.
For years, the couple has dedicated their time to collecting bottles and cans, ensuring they don’t go to waste but instead provide vital funds for charities.
In 2019, they partnered with Wishlist through the Containers for Change program, aligning their passion for recycling with a cause close to their hearts.
With the introduction of Blue Bins in their village and the support of The Bottle Community, which collects their recyclables weekly, the initiative has grown stronger.
Despite their years, Marion and Klaus remain committed to making a difference, knowing that every bottle and can collected helps fund hospital accommodation, life-saving medical equipment, and essential support services for Sunshine Coast families.
Marion’s commitment to giving back extends beyond recycling.
As her community’s environmental and recycling advisor, she actively educates and encourages others to recycle correctly, ensuring as many items as possible are diverted from landfill.
For 18 years, she has provided guidance on how to responsibly dispose of everything from batteries and cables to coffee pods and paint, making an incredible impact on both the environment and those around her.
Marion’s connection to Wishlist is deeply personal.
When Klaus fell seriously ill, she stayed at Reed House, a Wishlist accommodation facility in Nambour, allowing her to be close to him during his treatment.
The experience strengthened her dedication to giving back. “Wishlist needs us, and one day, we may need Wishlist,” she says.
Thanks to Marion and Klaus’s dedication, thousands of recyclables have been transformed into community support, helping Wishlist continue its important work.
You can join the effort and make a difference by collecting containers and donating funds directly to Wishlist.
Simply use the Wishlist Scheme ID: C10532519 at your nearest Containers for Change depot.
For more information, call 5202 1777 and start recycling for a great cause today!
