Scientists working to cure children’s genetic diseases are calling on New South Wales residents to support a community recycling initiative aimed at raising $200,000 for research by 19 April, according to Children’s Medical Research Institute.
The institute, which runs the Jeans for Genes campaign, is currently a charity partner of the Return and Earn program and has raised more than $150,000 through donated container refunds.
Under the scheme, 10-cent refunds from recycled bottles, cans and cartons can be directed to the campaign, with proceeds going toward medical research.
Shabita Rahman said community participation plays a key role in supporting scientific work. “I’ve had piles of cans and bottles at home, in the hundreds, and I’ve got my family involved too,” Rahman said.
“People just think that scientists magically come up with cures, but nothing happens without funding.”
She added that small contributions could collectively have a measurable impact. “My husband said to me, ‘Will this really make a difference’ and I said to him that if 3,000 people just donate 10 cans, it’s remarkable how much extra research that enables in our labs. Collectively it does make a difference,” she said.
Rahman also pointed to recent progress in her laboratory, which last December identified mechanisms that allow cancer cells to continue dividing.
The findings could inform future treatment approaches, according to the institute.
“This Return and Earn partnership is one small way to help children affected by conditions like cancer,” Rahman said.
The Children’s Medical Research Institute said the campaign forms part of its broader effort to fund research into genetic diseases affecting children, with community recycling donations providing an additional funding stream alongside traditional fundraising activities.
