Skip to content

VIDEO: Discarded batteries give grads a boost at Langley’s D.W. Poppy School

First-time fundraiser raised more than $1,600

A battery recycling campaign has raised $1,642 for the D.W. Poppy Secondary dry grad.

Tina Upton, chair of the 2021 grad committee at the Langley school, said it was the first time the school has collected car, truck, boat and quad batteries for recycling.

Students raised about half the amount by doing door pickups, then they held a drop-off at the school on Saturday, May 15.

Usually, the school holds its annual car show in May to raise funds for various school programs, including the grad, but that has had to be cancelled for two years running because of the pandemic.

READ ALSO: D.W. Poppy Car show hits 30 year milestone

Upton said she found out about holding a battery drive while she was searching online for new types of fundraising opportunities.

“It’s a great one,” she said.

The campaign made 25 cents per pound on batteries that usually weigh around 40 lbs. It’s more profitable than other fundraisers.

“We get $3 each selling hanging baskets,” Upton commented.

Upton said the committee also raised funds through selling chocolates, as well as holding bottle drives and Christmas tree chipping, and while there won’t be a dry grad as such this year, the funds raised will be used to provide “some nice swag bags” for the 156 graduates.

• READ ALSO: Used oil recycling facility opens in Aldergrove

A truck for collecting the batteries at the drop-off was provided by the Canadian Energy outlet for Canada Proof Batteries in Aldergrove which operates one of Vancouver’s only certified battery-recycling centres.

Charl Smith, operations manager at the store, said the company likes to support charitable ventures like the dry grad.

“We like to help out,” Smith told the Langley Advance Times, “we’re a community company.”


Have a story tip? Email: dan.ferguson@langleyadvancetimes.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.


Dan Ferguson

About the Author: Dan Ferguson

Best recognized for my resemblance to St. Nick, I’m the guy you’ll often see out at community events and happenings around town.
Read more