It all started with a conversation between Rider Degraw and Michelle Kachur, and the pop she was drinking one day at school.
The grade three student discovered that the tab was worth money, and the wheels were set in motion.
No one could have predicted that it would grow to more than 510,000 pop tabs being collected in just 20 weeks.
Kachur, CCA Child Development Advisor said it's still hard to believe how big this initiative has grown.
"We're still stunned by just how amazing it's been. We've had some families who have really gone above and beyond, and they've been out there on weekends going door-to-door. It's just been amazing seeing how our community has pulled together to benefit people that they don't even know. That's just the heart of Cochrane, just caring, loving people."
It didn't take long for the school, the community, and people outside of the community to help with the collection.
Calgary Police Service jumped on board after learning about Rider's mission.
"They know the Degraw family because Rider's mom was a police officer with the Calgary Police Service. They actually got together and collected tons and tons of these things, and came and talked to Rider and gave an amazing cash donation as well to our cause. It was very meaningful for Rider to have that moment with them."
Rider's mom, Sarah Degraw, tragically passed away from a stroke in 2018.
The town of Cochrane, and Cochrane Bottle Depot also donated tabs.
The school hosted three different classroom challenges including a popcorn party, a pizza party, and an ice cream sundae party, which helped to bring up the tab tally.
When asked how Degraw feels about how big his idea has grown he said, "It feels surprising".
Surprisingly, he said he did not drink very much pop during the drive.
Kachur will bring the tabs to Federal Metals in Calgary this week to receive a deposit. She said they gave them a rate of 85c/lbs of tabs, which is better than average.
The tabs equate to over 300 lbs, which will bring in just over $600. CCA will issue a cheque for their value to the March of Dimes Assistive Devices Program, which will then put the money towards a wheelchair for a child in need.
The wheelchair could go to a child anywhere in Canada.
"We've been beyond blessed. I don't even know where these are coming from honestly. I didn't think one town could generate this much, so obviously it's coming from out of town, out of province, maybe even out of country. It blows my mind that we could even fathom getting this many. It's wild, I don't even know how we're going to top this next time, but we're going to try." said Kachur.
She said they're asking classes for ideas for worthy causes to support next year. "The goal is to work as a school community to bring more kindness to this world one small act at a time."
Fri, May 17, 4:00 PM
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