Behind the wheel of his specially adapted van, Selwyn Nutley tirelessly drives through the town of Emerald in Australia. At 82, this remarkably energetic pensioner has set himself an extraordinary mission: to collect anything recyclable to help homeless animals.
It all started back in 2014, when Selwyn walked into his local shelter, CQ Pet Rescue, to adopt a four-legged companion. Deeply moved by the daily dedication of the volunteers fighting to give abandoned dogs and cats a second chance, the retiree wanted to make a lasting difference.
A busy routine to help local pets
The Australian then discovered the "Containers for Change" scheme, which offers a small financial reward for recycling bottles and cans. What started as occasional help quickly became a full-time commitment. Selwyn now dedicates over 45 hours a week to his cause, visiting local businesses and sports clubs to collect up to 6,000 cans and bottles.
To keep up with this busy schedule without wearing himself out, he even modified his van by adding a tail lift. His determination proved vital, especially during the pandemic, when a drop in donations directly threatened the charity's survival.
A milestone achievement and limitless generosity
Today, his achievements command total respect. Selwyn has passed the incredible milestone of one million recycled items. Thanks to his remarkable perseverance, he has raised over 100,000 Australian dollars (around £52,000) for CQ Pet Rescue, helping to feed, treat, and shelter the animals in their care.
Despite his age, this dedicated animal lover has absolutely no intention of slowing down. With his warm smile and a van that is always ready to hit the road, he proves every day that you are never too old to bring hope and transform the lives of our faithful companions.
Translated from the FR Wamiz website using artificial intelligence
