Local company raises over €700 for Make-A-Wish through Christmas recycling campaign

KMK Metals Recycling, which is based in Kilbeggan and Tullamore, announced that its annual Christmas recycling campaign has raised €710 for Make-A-Wish Ireland.

The fundraising success was down to the generosity of the public who donated old and broken electronic toys and Christmas lights at collection points in Mullingar, Athlone and Tullamore throughout December and January.

To mark the 10th anniversary of the Christmas fundraising initiative, KMK Metals Recycling expanded it this year from solely collecting discarded Christmas lights to also accepting used toys with batteries, plugs, or cables.

A donation was made to Make-A-Wish Ireland based on the total weight of material collected, along with proceeds from a staff Christmas jumper day collection and a company donation.

Collection containers at Harbour Place Shopping Centre in Mullingar, at the Bridge Centre, and Kelly's Toymaster in Tullamore, at Golden Island Shopping Centre in Athlone, remained in place until the end of January.

Max Kyck, managing director of KMK Metals Recycling, said: "We're very happy that the campaign raised €710 this year, helping to bring hope and happiness to children with critical illnesses. Thank you to everyone who made the effort to recycle their unused tech toys and lights."

Since 1992, Make-A-Wish Ireland has granted wishes to more than 3,500 children across Ireland, including 214 wishes in 2024. A granted wish provides a break from the everyday routines of hospitals, treatment, and medical challenges, offering joy when it’s needed most.

Conor Stone, Corporate Partnerships officer at Make-Wish-Ireland, added: "Thank you so much to the KMK Metals Recycling team and to everyone who participated from the local community. All your efforts will support us in granting life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses."