Every month, he collects cans and bottles and cashes them in at the Cobram FOOTT Depot for the annual Good Friday Appeal.
While it’s a tradition he’s followed for the better part of four years, this year the 13-year-old has set himself a new target: to raise at least $500 for the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.
He’s already raised at least $400 with help from friends and family donating their used cans and bottles.
The Cobram CFA is also helping Dom reach his goal by donating its used water bottles.
“I just like donating money to good causes, and I think the Good Friday Appeal is one of the best,” Dom said.
“Usually, I cash them in every month or fortnight. That way, we don’t accumulate too many, and that way we can keep track of the total.”
He’s overcome an initial, well-founded aversion to the less sanitised of the used cans and bottles he collects.
“Sometimes, the cans aren’t completely empty, so you get these drinks that have had peoples’ spit in them,” he said.
But no matter the state of the cans and bottles he collects, Dom is optimistic he’ll reach his target for this year’s appeal.
“I think I wanted to do something that would help people and something to keep me busy as well,” he said.
“It’s worth helping those who need it.”
Anyone with used cans or bottles they’d like to throw away can contact the Cobram CFA on its Facebook page at tinyurl.com/35p8p9zv