It took six months, but Hazel and Arthur have the Nintendo Switch they’ve been saving for, one drink container at a time.
The twins, aged 10, live in Geelong with their mum, Miranda Beck. Earlier in the year, they started asking for a gaming device.
“It was a case of, that’s fine, but I’m not buying it. You’re going to have to save,” Miranda said. “I’m a single parent, so it definitely came with wanting to ensure that they understand the value of money.”
Miranda was happy to support the twins’ efforts, but it was important that they were running the show themselves. A post on her Facebook started them off, with friends, family, and neighbours saving their containers for Hazel and Arthur to collect along with their own containers.
“It was a lot of dedication,” Miranda said. “[Everyone was] really impressed with what they were hoping to achieve.”
“One of my best friends got married in that period, and we had a bag in the corner of the reception for containers,” Miranda said. “There were times when we were taking boot loads full to the depot.”
When the twins hit their $550 goal, they headed in to get their Nintendo Switch.
“They were very chuffed with themselves going into EB Games. It was a fantastic opportunity for them, they had that sense of accomplishment,” Miranda said. “They’d worked for it.”
Hazel and Arthur are still collecting, with funds now going towards new games for the Switch. Asked for advice for those thinking about starting to save with CDS Vic, Miranda said to get a good-sized plastic container to keep them in, and to know the effort is worth it.
“Just stick to it. Know that even though it is 10 cents, it actually can add up and make a substantial difference. I think that surprised Hazel and Arthur, just how much they were able to save,” Miranda said.
That’s a lot of change. Keep it up, we say.
Want to get involved?
- Check out our map for your nearest refund point
- See what containers are eligible
- Read more case studies to learn how Victorians are using CDS Vic
