OBRC collects US$125,508 by donating aluminium cans for Ukrainian relief fund

Over the preceding three weeks, the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative (OBRC) has collected a total of US$125,508 in donated bottles and aluminium cans with the help of residents around the state to aid Ukrainians in need via Oregon's Bottle Bill. The event took place from March 21 through April 10.

Residents donated US$75,508 worth of Oregon bottles and aluminium cans at a 10-cent redemption rate, with the balance matched by the OBRC. The OBRC, which runs the Bottle Drop network, urged Oregonians to donate the value of their 10-cent redeemable bottles and cans to Mercy Corps' Ukraine Fund.

Mercy Corp., a relief organisation located in Portland, Oregon, will receive the cash for its aid activities in Ukraine, Poland, and Romania. The funds will go toward assisting refugees in obtaining food, medication, and clothing.

The OBRC matched donations one-to-one from its Emergency Fund, with a maximum match of $25,000 available at first. When the group observed the outpouring of support from Oregonians, it decided to double it. In the end, more than $125,000 was raised for Mercy Corps' humanitarian assistance to Ukrainian refugees thanks to consumer donations and the OBRC's match.

“We were watching the situation in Ukraine and wondered what we could do about it. Bottles and cans can be a really powerful tool to cause positive change. We wanted to create a way that made it easy to help with the situation in Ukraine and we came up with this fundraiser,” said Eric Chambers, director of external relations for OBRC.

According to the United Nations, more than 4 million people have fled Ukraine since February 24, leaving behind their homes, possessions, and livelihoods. As a result, the conflict in Ukraine has become Europe's fastest-growing refugee crisis since World War II. According to the United Nations, ten million Ukrainians, or a quarter of the nation's population, might be displaced both within and beyond the country.