Helping Charities Make More of Every Return

For charities and fundraising groups, finding ways to raise money can be a challenge. There are always causes competing for attention and support, and for many people, there are only so many dollars to go around.

That’s what makes beverage container fundraising different. Instead of asking people to reach into their pockets and make another donation, fundraising through beverage container deposits gives people an opportunity to put money they’ve already paid toward a cause they care about.

Every time someone purchases a beverage container in B.C., they pay a deposit. When that container is returned, the deposit can be refunded — or, through Return-It Express, directed toward a registered charity or fundraising group.

It’s a simple idea that gives people an easy way to support the charities, community groups and causes that are important to them. By directing their beverage container deposits to a fundraising group, they can turn something they already do every day — recycling — into a way to give back.

“We know affordability is top of mind for everyone right now, and that makes fundraising even more challenging for charities and community groups,” said Cindy Coutts, President and CEO of Return-It. “Beverage container deposits have long been a source of fundraising. As we looked at how to make returning containers easier and more convenient for consumers through Return-It Express, we also looked at how we could enhance the opportunity for charities and fundraising groups to benefit from this traditional source of fundraising. By making it easier for people to return their containers and choose where their deposits go, Express can help make fundraising an ongoing part of that everyday activity.”

Today, more than 1600 registered charities and fundraising groups use Return-It Express to help raise money for their causes. Together, they have raised more than $816,604 through beverage container returns.

An easier alternative to a bottle drive

Traditional bottle drives can take a lot of coordination. Fundraising groups need to organize collection days, get volunteers involved and find a way to manage all the containers that come in.

Return-It Express offers another option.

Instead of organizing a bottle drive, charities and fundraising groups can use their Express account as an ongoing way for consumers to support them. The key is simply getting the word out and encouraging people to choose their organization when they return their beverage containers through the Express program.

That could mean sharing their Express account with supporters, promoting it on social media, including it in fundraising campaigns or reminding people about it at events and activities. Once people know they can direct their beverage container deposits to the organization, they can continue supporting the cause whenever they return their empties.

By using the Express program, charities and fundraising groups can make it easier for people to support their cause without having to organize a traditional bottle drive. The focus can instead be on building awareness and encouraging people to choose their organization when returning their containers.

Small actions, meaningful impact

A single beverage container may only represent a small deposit, but when many people choose to support the same cause, those small contributions can add up over time. One return might not seem like much, but when people continue returning their containers throughout the year, those deposits can turn into meaningful support.

A fundraiser can start with something as simple as encouraging people to save their empties. When more people get involved and continue returning their containers over time, those small contributions can add up to hundreds or even thousands of containers returned to support a cause.

And while those deposits are helping raise money, the containers are also being returned for recycling — turning an everyday action into a simple way to do something positive for the environment and the community.

For charities and fundraising groups, Return-It Express offers a simple way to make fundraising part of an activity people are already doing every day.

Every container returned can make a difference — for a cause, for a community and for the environment.