A KIND-HEARTED schoolboy has turned empty drink cans into foodbank donations to help Silhillians struggling with the cost of living crisis.
Ryan Hulance was inspired to set up his philanthropic business, Cans Collections, after seeing his parents hand over a bag of food to a family who were struggling to buy provisions.
After a lot of research the 10-year-old found a recycling centre that buys empty cans and then he uses that money to buy items with.
He said: “I decided to do this when I realised the cost of living crisis affects everyone.
“I saw my parents change their cooking and spending habits so I searched for a way to help people without asking them for money. People drink from and dispose of the cans, so if they can donate them instead, we can use them to support poverty.
“I started collecting cans in November 2022 but the project really started to take off after Solihull Council noticed one of my Facebook posts and got in touch to support their foodbank.”
Since then Ryan has been inundated with businesses, cafes, pubs and neighbours contacting him social media to give him their recycling.
His mum told The Observer Ryan was even stopped by Solihull Police who asked how they could get involved.
The Solihull School boy said: “I am thrilled to see how positively the community has responded to my project. This gives me a lot of confidence in my project and many hopes for the future.
“I hope to influence people to change their habits just a little and all together, we can make a big difference.
“It is important to find new ways to raise money because the cost of living crisis after Covid has had a big impact on families, businesses and they can’t support charities as much as before.
“Cans Collection is an environmental and human project. I consider that the two go hand in hand.
“Ecology must be our concern as well as the well-being of people. Cans collection is for all generations. Cans collection is a simple project that everyone, both individuals and companies, can do. All you need is aluminium drink cans.”
This isn’t the first time Ryan has helped those in need.
During the first national lockdown he, along with his mum and dad, called local hotels to ask if they had any items to give to front line workers and donated them to the Nightingale Hospital at the NEC.
For more or to get involved click here.
