Vaughn Arambatzis aims to raise $1000 for Sydney Dogs and Cats Home by recycling bottles

·

For a Greek Australian boy of only 12 years of age, Vaughn Arambatzis is full of ambitious ideas and he’s not letting anyone stop him from achieving them.

What’s his idea for this year? To raise $1000 for the Sydney Dogs and Cats Home by collecting cans and bottles and recycling them through the NSW Government’s Return and Earn Scheme.

Vaughn’s connection to the Home goes back to last year when he decided to support the organisation as part of a ‘Shining Our Light’ project run by his school, St Patrick’s College in Strathfield.

Vaughn Arambatzis is full of ambitious ideas. Photo supplied.

“We adopted a dog and we loved her a lot, but she kept on escaping. We had to give her back and we were devastated. So when the time came around to do something for the community, I thought about that and started collecting bottles to raise money for the Home,” Vaughn, who lives in Connells Point, tells The Greek Herald.

At the time, Vaughn raised $500 after his mum, Barbara, posted his plan on community Facebook pages and garnered attention from the local community, including Member for Oatley, Mark Coure MP, Georges River Councillor Sandy Grekas, and the Kogarah Cougars Junior Rugby League Football Club.

“In the end, he collected 3000 bottles and there was $200 worth of donations,” Vaughn’s mum, Barbara, says proudly.

Vaughn with Member for Oatley, Mark Coure MP. Photo supplied.

With such a successful campaign last year, it’s really no surprise Vaughn decided to do it all again this year. But will his previous achievement make it harder to collect enough bottles and cans a second time? ‘Definitely not,’ says the Year 7 student.

“So many bottles have already been dropped off. We haven’t counted them yet, but I’d say there’s at least 500 outside on our front yard right now. It’s really messy,” Barbara adds.

“Our friend Peter Panopoulos, from Advanced Building and Maintenance, has donated a cage to us and we’re going to fill it with the bottles and cans. Each time it fills, Peter will be taking the load to the recycler.”

Vaughn donating money to the Sydney Dogs and Cats Home last year. Photo supplied.

But there’s still a long way to go. Barbara says they’re looking for more people to drop off their bottles and cans because ‘500 bottles is only $50.’

“This year we’re looking for cafes, businesses and people in the local community to donate… alot of Greeks are generous!” Vaughn says cheekily.

“Feel free to drop them off or organise a collection with us and we can come around and collect it.”

If you would like to help Vaughn achieve his goal, you can email barbaraarambatzis@gmail.com or call Barbara on 0434 443 970.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Konstantinos Argiros meets NSW Premier after sold-out Opera House performances

At NSW Parliament on Friday, Premier Chris Minns and Ministers Courtney Houssos and Sophie Cotsis welcomed Konstantinos Argiros.

‘Love, care and respect’: Chris and Nikolitsa Bakopoulos share the key to 70 years of marriage

From Patras to Bexley, Chris and Nikolitsa Bakopoulos’ 70-year love story is a timeless testament to faith, resilience, and devotion.

Accused Easey St killer Perry Kouroumblis previously gave police an alibi, court hears

Accused Easey Street killer Perry Kouroumblis has told police he was with a friend on the night two women were brutally stabbed in 1977.

How Greece’s new law changes inheritance and property processes for Greeks abroad

Athens lawyer Panagiotis Rozakis says Greece’s new digital reforms will simplify and speed up inheritance and property matters for diaspora.

Snowtown killer James Vlassakis’ parole review to be heard in private

The parole review of Snowtown murderer James Spyridon Vlassakis will be conducted in private. Read more here.

You May Also Like

Greek Australian Jeremy Boulton progresses to the Finals of IFAC Singing Competition

23-year old Jeremy Boulton, who has Greek Australian heritage, has progressed to the Finals of the IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition.

Mosque in Cyprus defaced on bicentennial of Greek uprising

Vandals defaced the facade of a mosque in ethnically split Cyprus on Thursday, daubing it with Greek flags and slogans and drawing a harsh condemnation from authorities.

Stefanos Tsitsipas storms into Paris Masters next round

Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated opponent Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3 and 7-6 (4) at Rolex Paris Masters tournament on Wednesday.