The Automotive Recyclers Environmental Association, the BC Chapter of the Kidney Car Foundation and Schnitzer Steel have partnered to clean up First Nations communities and promote kidney health for First Nations peoples.
First Nations peoples have a genetic predisposition to chronic kidney disease and the early detection through targetted screening using a simple blood test provides First Nations peoples with the information they need to make healthy choices that delay or prevent the onset of kidney failure.
The three partners will work with interested First Nations and Aboriginal community leaders to develop recycling programs for End-of-Life vehicles under the Recycle for Life program. AREA will bring their expertise and environmentally approved processes to ensure that the vehicles are recycled responsibly and Schnitzer Steel will have the equipment and expertise to safely remove and recycle the vehicles.
For every vehicle and tonne of steel recycled from a First Nation Community under the Recycle for Life initiative, Schnitzer Steel will make a donation to the Kidney Foundation and First Nations and Aboriginal community leaders can work with the BC Branch of The Kidney Foundation to host a targetted screening event for band members who are at high risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
The end result of the initiative will be cleaner and healthier First Nations’ communities.
For more information about the Kidney Foundation’s Recycle for Life Initiative, contact Naomi Low at naomil@kidney.bc.ca or go to http://www.recycleforlife.ca