Two leading electrical recycling companies, AO Recycling and national waste electrical compliance scheme, REPIC have come together to mark the 15 year anniversary of the UK’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations with a donation of £2,000 to enhance the well-being and future prospects of young people in the Shropshire area.
AO Recycling, the Telford-based recycling arm of and REPIC, based in Bury, Greater Manchester, made the timely contribution to The Children’s Society Shropshire hub as part of REPIC’s WEEE Cycle Network event.
This joint donation is the final part of the 15 year anniversary activity to mark 15 years of the UK WEEE Regulations, which started with a nationwide WEEE cycle event organised by REPIC in June 2023. The compliance scheme for waste electricals brought together many partners, including treatment facilities, reuse organisations and local authorities who took part in a 15-day, cycling extravaganza, marking the waste electrical sector’s achievements and highlighting the importance of electrical recycling in the UK.
As a fitting legacy, REPIC pledged to work with its supporters to donate £15,000 to local charities associated with the event route. AO employees joined REPIC on day 12 of the 15-day cycling journey, completing a challenging 120 kms and after careful consideration AO’s Telford-based employees nominated The Children’s Society in Shropshire initiatives for young people’s mental health and career development to receive their support.
The £2,000 donation will be allocated between The Children’s Society’s drop-in mental health centre for young people and the charity’s Climb programme both delivered at the Shropshire hub and designed to help young individuals find the right pathway away from criminal exploitation.
Both initiatives offer a safe and welcoming opportunity for youngsters to seek guidance, counselling and peer support for both mental health and career challenges. The funds will aid in maintaining and improving this essential service, ensuring that young people have access to the support they need.
Both AO and REPIC firmly believe in supporting causes that have a meaningful impact on the communities they serve.
Louise Grantham, Chief Executive from REPIC, commented, “Rounding off our WEEE Cycle Network event, which provided the opportunity to look back on what we’ve achieved as a sector and look forward to the future together, marking this with a series of donations to worthy causes is a great legacy to a remarkable initiative.”
Dave Ware, director of commercial at AO Recycling, added: “We are grateful for the opportunity to make a positive difference in our local community. This joint donation reflects our dedication to supporting the well-being and future prospects of young people in Shropshire. By partnering with The Children’s Society Shropshire hub, demonstrates a proactive role in addressing critical issues directly affecting the youth in our local community.”
The Children’s Society is a national charity that works to transform the hopes and happiness of young people facing abuse, exploitation and neglect. Supporting them through their most serious of life challenges the charity tirelessly campaigns for big social changes that will improve the lives of those who need hope the most.
Tom Leach, Partnership Manager at The Children’s Society, added: “The Children’s Society in Shropshire expresses its sincere gratitude to both AO and REPIC for this generous, surprise donation. Their contribution will make a significant difference in the lives of young people, offering them hope, support and opportunities for a brighter future.”
