Locals changing lives with tabs for wheelchairs
Ever wonder why people collect aluminum drink tabs in jars at work or home? What might seem like a small act of recycling is part of a much bigger effort that’s changing lives.
Nathan Ball, from Glenboro, began saving these tabs in middle school when he was put in charge of the schools’s recycling. It’s a habit he continues to this day, with many of his friends joining in and passing their tabs on to him. “He was always saving them, when we would go camping he would go through all the recycle boxes taking the tabs off any can he found,” explained his mom, Jackie Ball.
Nathan isn’t alone in his efforts. Kevin Newton, the former principal of Glenboro High School, and the late Mae Davidson were the ones who began this local initiative in the late 1990s. Theodore Jonsson took over the project after Kevin and Mae retired, and although due to aging he isn’t able to drive to deliver the tabs, his dedication remains strong. Alongside his daughter Jodise Ruston, Theodore continues to collect tabs delivering them to Donald Martin of Wawanesa.
Don beamed with pride when he spoke of his role in this project, knowing firsthand how these small tabs can make a life-changing difference. Don recalls a touching moment when he discovered that a young boy at Riverview School who he’d been working with collecting tabs, was actually his great great-nephew. The young boy was later a recipient of an electric wheelchair. “It was incredible to find out that my small effort helped a member of my own family;” Don said, still in awe.
It takes 1,128 tabs to make a pound and in early August Tabs for Wheelchairs received a cheque from Western Scrap Metal for $10,142.34 for a total of 12,328 lbs of aluminum and miscellaneous metal. Gwen Buccini, founder and coordinator of Tabs for Wheelchairs, reported that this past year, their 26th year, has been the most successful one yet. It was also announced that next year’s recipient has been chosen and is Laila of George McDowell school in River Park South, Winnipeg. “She has been an unbelievable driving force with Tabs for Wheelchairs at her school and has inspired countless others to start saving with us. Laila will receive her specialized power wheelchair in June of 2025,” said Buccini.
Earlier this year, Nathan’s collection was turned over to Baby Bump in Brandon. His contribution helped six-year-old Ella, who suffers from Kabuki Syndrome, a rare terminal disease receive life-changing ABM therapy. And the impact doesn’t stop there. Every tab collected brings hope to someone in need. So next time you pop open a can, remember that even the smallest action can make a world of difference.
PHOTO CAPTION: Nathan Ball delivered his collection of tabs to Baby Bump in Brandon to help 6 year-old Ella receive ABM therapy for her rare disease Kabuki Syndrome. PHOTO SUBMITTED
