At Northern Health, we are fortunate to have staff members whose dedication goes beyond their professional duties.

One such inspiring individual is Fey Bakar, an EMR Surgery and Anaesthesia Analyst and Registered Nurse. Her passion for helping others led her to spearhead an extraordinary initiative of collecting plastic bread tags at Northern Health to fund wheelchairs for disadvantaged individuals.

Fey’s journey began three years ago, driven by her desire to make a difference in people’s lives.

“I have always found joy and a sense of fulfillment whenever I can lend a helping hand,” Fey shares.

Her role as a nurse has taught her the impact of compassion and empathy, reinforcing her commitment to this cause. As an immigrant, Fey resonates deeply with the less privileged and vulnerable, understanding the importance of community support and unity.

“My journey has highlighted the power of coming together to help those in need,” she explains.

Despite occasional challenges in collecting and storing the tags, Fey remained motivated by the joy and relief her efforts brought to those in need.

“Knowing that there would be smiles on the faces of those who received the wheelchairs was motivating and rewarding. It reinforced my belief that even minor acts of kindness can significantly impact those in need,” she adds.

Fey’s initiative has inspired many colleagues at Northern Health to participate. Together, they have diligently collected thousands of bread tags, culminating in a significant delivery to the collection centre at Bundoora.

The collected bread tags are recycled locally to raise funds for the purchase of wheelchairs for disadvantaged individuals, primarily in South Africa. This initiative, known as “Bread Tags for Wheelchairs,” turns everyday waste into life-changing mobility aids.

Impact by the numbers:

• Wheelchairs Funded: 98
• Total Recycled: 12,832 kgs of bread tags (more than 12 tonnes!)
• Current Recycling Rate: 250 kgs of bread tags per month (approximately 2,700 tags per kg)

This program provides practical assistance to individuals in need while fostering a sense of unity and compassion within the community. It is heartwarming to see how a simple act of collecting bread tags can bring about such positive change.

We encourage everyone to participate and contribute to this noble cause. Together, we can make a significant difference, one bread tag at a time.

For more information on how you can get involved, please visit Bread Tags for Wheelchairs.