An 11-year-old boy from Dorridge, near Solihull, has been collecting aluminium cans to raise money for food banks. He is aiming to raise £20,000 by Christmas to buy a truck full of food for his local community.
A can-do attitude
Ryan started collecting the cans around his neighbourhood after he noticed his parents changing their supermarket habits. They told him it was due to the cost of living crisis and Ryan decided to see how he could help others. He found the idea of collecting cans online and thought it was a good way to recycle and raise funds at the same time.
Ryan collects about 400 kilos of cans each month, which he sells to scrapyards. He has raised more than £1,000 since November last year, but he is not stopping there. He wants to raise £20,000 by walking at least 5km every week until Christmas.
“I feel quite proud and also feel really excited to continue this because I just like the feeling of being the person that has helped,” Ryan said.
A network of supporters
Ryan is not alone in his mission. He has grown his scheme to a network of 100 donators who give him their empty cans. He also has collection points across Birmingham and Solihull where people can drop off their cans. He said he was grateful for all the support he has received from his family, friends, neighbours and strangers.
“Some people have been really generous and have given me bags and bags of cans. Some people have even given me money as well,” he said.
Ryan also has a Facebook group called “We Can” where he posts updates on his progress and thanks his supporters. He said he hopes to inspire more people to join him in his cause.
A truck full of food
Ryan’s ultimate goal is to buy a truck full of food at wholesale prices and donate it to food banks in his area. He said he learned from talking to people who donate cans that many people are struggling to afford food and basic necessities.
He said he wants to make a difference in his community and help those who are less fortunate than him.
“I think it’s important to help other people because you never know what situation they are in. You might think they are fine but they might not be,” he said.
Ryan has a donation page online where people can support him by sponsoring his walks or giving him money directly. He said he will keep going until he reaches his target, even if it takes longer than Christmas.
“Hopefully we will get to our target this Christmas, but if it doesn’t work out, we will continue,” he said.
