Minister of Environment Dick Roche backs the recycling of mobile phones with the Jack and Jill children’s foundation.

 
Minister of Environment Dick Roche asks business, organisations, schools and the general Public, to  recycle old and unwanted mobile phones as he launched the Jack and Jill children’s mobile phone recycling appeal with Jonathon Irwin , C.E.O of the Jack and Jill children foundation. 

Launched at the brand new Bray recycling centre Minister Roche said;

‘’Recycling rates are on the increase and we have made serious gains in recent years and it is important that with initiatives like the Jack and Jill phone appeal, People are encouraged to further improve the level of waste that is recycled.''

Originally Launched in January 2006 the appeal has been backed by minister Roche due to the massive amounts of uncollected old mobile left in people houses and draws at work. Every phone collected has helped the 2003 Irish Charity of the Year in its vital work with young children with severe developmental problems.  Phones can be donated by calling low call on 1850 525 545.  Recycling information can also be found at http://www.folamh.ie/. 

It is estimated that there are more than 10 million old and unwanted mobile phones in Ireland.  Every year millions more phones are replaced with new models.  At present less than one in 25 are recycled. 

Jonathan Irwin, Chief Executive of the Jack and Jill Foundation, comments, "The work we undertake has a real and positive impact on the children we care for and the families we support, and every euro we raise helps us continue this work.  If you have an old mobile phone you no longer need please do give the free phone number a call, as your donation can really make a difference."

The Jack and Jill Foundation (registered charity number CHY 12405) was founded to care for babies born with, or that develop, severe developmental problems, including cerebral palsy.  Babies in this condition often require twenty-four care, which is not covered by most state or private insurance schemes and can lead to great difficulties for the families concerned.  The Foundation provides this much-needed service during the first four critical years of a child’s life.  Please see http://www.jackandjill.ie/ for more information.

Phones can be donated by calling 1850 525 545 to request a freepost recycling envelope.  People with more than 15 phones to recycle can also request a free courier collection. 

The Jack and Jill Foundation provides early intervention home respite to families with babies up to the age of four with severe developmental delay, who require intensive medical and nursing care. Registered charity number CHY 12405.

Created: 8th of August 2006

The Jack and Jill Foundation has today raised over € 100,000 by recycling old and unwanted mobile phones since its appeal started in January of this year.  Every phone collected has helped the 2003 Irish Charity of the Year in its vital work with young children with severe developmental problems.  Phones can be donated by calling low call on 1850 525 545.  Recycling information can also be found at http://www.folamh.ie/.

Jack and Jill Would like to thank all those, schools , individuals and organisations who have helped so far -  But we still have a way to go as our target is still to collect another €700,000 worth of phones

Celebrity broadcaster Eddie Hobbs, who has long been a supporter of the Jack and Jill Foundation, comments, "So many people have mobile phones lying forgotten in drawers and boxes.  We would like to ask people to have a look around their homes and to ask their family, friends and colleagues to do the same, as every phone collected has a financial value to Jack and Jill.  We're not asking for your money, but for something many of us have and no longer need – old mobile phones."

The Jack and Jill Foundation (registered charity number CHY 12405) was founded to care for babies born with, or that develop, severe developmental problems, including cerebral palsy.  Babies in this condition often require twenty-four care, which is not covered by most state or private insurance schemes and can lead to great difficulties for the families concerned.  The Foundation provides this much-needed service during the first four critical years of a child’s life.  Please see http://www.jackandjill.ie/ for more information.

All mobiles collected for the Jack and Jill Foundation campaign are put to good use.  Working phones are shipped to developing countries for reuse, where the huge demand far outstrips the supply of affordable new models.  Damaged phones, meanwhile, are stripped down to their individual parts and recycled. 

Created: 8th August 2006