This news release was published on BC Gov News on September 19th, 2020.
Up to 26 people living and working in the Downtown Eastside will gain new training to enhance their skills as recycling workers, thanks to new funding from the Government of British Columbia.
Binners’ Project will receive over $115,000 from WorkBC’s Community and Employer Partnerships (CEP) Employer Sponsored Training program to deliver classroom training and practical experience to employees who are at risk of layoff.
“Over the years, binners in the Downtown Eastside have developed a successful economic model,” said Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “This unique training program will make a difference in the lives of marginalized people and give them stability and confidence knowing they play a vital role in the workforce while contributing to their community.”
Binners’ Project will develop and deliver curriculum focusing on recycling, sorting and waste diversion in the Downtown Eastside. Eligible employees will receive training designed to increase their knowledge of recyclable materials, further enhance computer literacy and develop skills such as conflict resolution and communication.
“The people who make the Binners’ Project a reality are the unsung heroes of our community and a leading example of grassroots environmental stewardship,” said Melanie Mark, MLA for Vancouver-Mount Pleasant. “I am proud that our government is investing in enhancing the skills and potential of my constituents. This program is what social, economic and environmental justice looks like.”
“We are so excited to get the training program up and running,” said Landon Hoyt, director, Binners’ Project. “Having a customized curriculum that takes into account the particular needs of the binners to build their capacity as leaders and expert waste diverters will take our social enterprise programs to the next level.”
Davin Boutang, Binners’ Project community specialist and former binner, said: “As a grassroots initiative, it’s always been important that training and leadership comes from the binners. Not only will this training build their skills to help them grow within the project, but it fits with our mission of building community from the ground up.”
Binners’ Project is a project on MakeWay’s shared platform, which provides operational support, governance and charitable expertise for changemakers. The shared platform enables more time and money to go towards achieving greater impact. MakeWay is a national charity that builds partnerships and solutions to help nature and communities thrive together.
