Empty bottles raise much-needed funds

THE PIMEM Foundation (set up by the Small and Medium Sized Business Association) raised 31'000 euros as a result of recycling 145'000 cava bottles during their “Kings of Glass” campaign which ran from December 14 to yesterday. The money raised went to the Toy Workshop run by the Catholic charity Caritas. It was set up to recycle old toys and provides work for 25 people with difficulties in entering the work place. The toys are given to families who would otherwise be unable to afford them for their children.
The presence of the Toy Workshop at numerous village fairs and markets around the island, such as Algaida, Porreres, Pollensa, Muro, Montuiri, Inca, Cala Ratjada and Andratx has boosted participation in this campaign, a spokesman said. The closing ceremony was held yesterday in the Environmental Technology Park. Present were Tomas Garrido, the Foundation chairman, and Balearic Environmental Quality director, Ventura Blanch, among others. Various businesses supported the campaign.
Some 71 villages gathered 45'000 bottles, while 25 hotels collected 55'000. Five town councils provided 6'500 and a wine shop collected 13'000, while individuals donated some 21'000 bottles. The “Kings of Glass” campaign started in 1999 as a project to help needy people, and to encourage the population to respect the environment.