Ten-year-old Ethan collects 2000 recyclable bottles, donates $200 to Vinnies Night Patrol

Posted on 22 July, 2019

Ready for some good news for your Monday? 

In a story that will warm the frostiest of hearts, today Vinnies recognised the efforts of ten-year-old Ethan Caffery Caragh, who donated $200 to Vinnies Night Patrol thanks to his collection of recyclable bottles.

“I wanted to donate to Night Patrol because I’d hate to imagine what it’s like living without a home,” said Ethan, possibly Canberra’s coolest kid, who collected 2000 bottles with his grandma, donating them for 10c each at a ‘Return-It’ bottle depot.

Ethan explains that he learned about Vinnies’ Night Patrol program at his school, St Clare’s of Assisi, which runs a variety of fundraising efforts for Vinnies across the year, including having the Night Patrol van visit during the school’s Social Justice Day.

Both of Vinnies’ two Night Patrol vans go out 364 nights a year, providing over 12,000 instances of support through the provision of food, warm drinks, jackets, sleeping bags and other items each year.

Right now, more than 1500 people are experiencing homelessness nightly in the ACT, with 22% of these people are aged 12-24.

“By donating the bottles, I knew that every 10c could make a difference. Every couple of weeks my Grandma and I would take our bottles to the local Vinnies collection centre. Sometimes the car was so packed I could barely fit in the car,” says Ethan, adding that while the ongoing collection was a challenge, it was well worth it.

Ethan Caffery Caragh (left) with Vinnies Night Patrol Coordinator, Bryce Taotua. Image supplied.

“My friends didn’t think my Grandma and I could raise this much money, so that inspired me to work harder to get more bottles. My Grandma and I were very proud of each other for raising this much money over six months.”

And so too is the team at Vinnies, who are not only blown away by Ethan’s commitment to his cause but his social conscience.

“We’re so grateful to Ethan, not just for his generous financial donation to Night Patrol, but for his empathy and compassion towards people doing it tough,” says Erin MacArthur, Director of Community Engagement with the St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra and Goulburn.

“It’s wonderful to see young people engaging with social issues in our community…We are always grateful for all donations, large or small, financial or material, that allow us to continue providing food, warm items, and compassionate company to those at risk of, or experiencing homelessness in Canberra.”

As Canberra’s nights continue to dip into the minuses, perhaps we can all channel a bit of Ethan to help Canberrans doing it tough this winter.

Return-It depots can be found in 22 locations in the ACT, including at Vinnies Dickson, Vinnies Mitchell, Vinnies Belconnen and Vinnies Tuggeranong. Those recycling eligible empty beverage containers can choose to keep the 10c refund or donate to charity.

To support Night Patrol and Vinnies’ other local programs, you can make a donation at vinnies.org.au/winterappeal or call 13 18 12.