An uncanny problem

By Dan Hutchinson 

A trio of kind-hearted Taupō people have squashed and sold hundreds of thousands of cans over the past few years, raising about $19,000 to help brighten the lives of children in need. 

The only problem is they can’t find children to spoil with their hard-earned cash. 

Blain Nicholls, (Didymo) Dave Cade and Julie Pointon have been crushing cans for a cause since Covid-19 struck in 2020. 

"The name of the game is to collect as many cans from different places, sell them and use the money to brighten the lives of children who are unwell,” Dave says. 

“But despite our efforts, we've only come up with one child that we can help (recently). We've approached other people, we've been to hospitals, doctors, and said, ‘okay, you can't tell us the names of the child, but can you refer people to us?’ We're not winning too well on that one. Which is why we thought an article might help." 

They are currently supporting a child recovering from brain cancer, paying for a hair stylist, lunch with her family and $500 worth of fuel vouchers to get her family to Rotorua Hospital. 

Blain Nicholls loads up the latest haul of cans destined for Phoenix Recycling. Photo: Dan Hutchinson

In the past, they paid for a night at Hilton Hotel for another child and their family, plus dinner and breakfast. 

But referrals have been few and far between, and the money has continued to build up. They are happy to take referrals for people in genuine need. 

“We never thought that we'd have too much money and not enough children … never really occurred to us. We thought it would be the other way around: too many kids and not enough money," Dave says. 

The focus is on practical support plus activities that can help lift the spirits of the family involved. 

Julie says they could just give the money away to a charity but they want to ensure all of the money stays in the Taupō District to help local people. 

The cans come from lots of sources. Julie has a wool fadge sitting at the back of Albert Pointon Menswear and people come along and put cans in there. 

And others in Taupō and further afield know about it and collect cans for the cause. 

Dave says Mary Inwood, or Blinky as she’s known in Tūrangi, is pulling two wool fadges a week out of the town. 

“I don’t know where the heck she gets them from. I call her Magpie. If it’s metallic and shiny, it’s coming to our place.” 

If you know someone who could use a boost contact Blain on 0274 823 609 or Dave on 027 240 9603.