Vancouver Foundation

For more information about the Binners' Project visit binnersproject.org. To support innovative community projects like this, call Calvin in Donor Services at 604.629.5357, or visit vancouverfoundation.ca/give. p a g e 2 2 I V a n c o u v e r F o u n d a t i o n l F a l l 2 0 1 6 goals: to decrease the stigma associated with binning; to boost eco- nomic opportunities for inner-city recyclers; and to create social networks, both between the recyclers themselves and with organi- zations already in place in the Downtown Eastside. About this last goal, Godefroy notes that there are many services in the DTES that marginalized people don't know about and don't use. "is is not only social justice work," she says, "but economic development work. We want to help binners gain access to valu- able recyclables, and help make their lives safer. We also want to inform the public about what they do, and why it is of value to society." Taking Leland's Monday yacht club pick-ups alone, a reason- able estimate would be 100,000 recyclables saved from the land- fill each year. Multiply that by metro Vancouver's hundreds of binners working five days a week, and the environmental impact starts to become clear. United We Can's single location on Industrial Avenue recycles close to 22 million bottles and cans a year, most collected by binners. Leland is proud of his work and what he has been able to do in assisting the global effort to trash less. "I didn't use to see myself as a recycler, but I do now," he says. "When I finally real- ized I was making a difference, that made a difference to me. I can see a little glimmer of light and I can thank the Binners' Project for that. Until Anna came along I never saw any real value in what I was doing." He adds that without independent recyclers like him, Vancouver will fall short of its Greenest City goals. "If they're going to make their 2020 prediction, they're going to need some help. So we're all going to have to get on board." In November 2015, the Binners' Project received a two-year, $50,000-per-year grant from Vancouver Foundation. It was a "piv- otal" moment, says Godefroy. "When we applied we were only two volunteers, and we were at the end of the road. We had gotten other small grants, but if we didn't get that funding I don't think we could have gone further. It was a real affirmation that what we were doing made sense and that we were on the right path." anks in part to the Binners' Project, Leland's life is safer and more secure. "It took me nine years but I'm in an apartment now on West Pender, and I've got my little claws dug right into the plaster," he laughs. "ere's no one getting me out of there." His work with the project has expanded beyond his own recycling. As team leader he helps oversee cleanups at big events, and he acts as an outreach liaison to the binner community, inviting new members to attend meetings and get involved. At some events—like this year's PNE—he and other members help educate attendees on separating garbage from recycling. "e project has been nothing but good for the binners," says Leland. "It's a win-win. For all my years I just pushed my cart around. Now the enthusiasm is terrific. People aren't scowling down at you or looking at you like you're a pariah. People see you recycling and say, 'Right on. Good for you.'" When I finally realized I was making a difference, that made a difference to me. I can see a little glimmer of light and I can thank the Binners' Project for that. " "

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