Jennifer Zamparelli teams up with Re-turn to launch ‘Small Town, Big Difference’
New campaign aims to shine a light on community initiatives across Ireland
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- Re-turn is calling on community groups, clubs and schools across Ireland to share how they’re making a big difference in their local area through the Deposit Return Scheme
- Ten winners will be chosen, each receiving €2,000 for their local initiative
- From these winners, five will be selected to star in a local media campaign that celebrates the big difference that donating plastic bottles and cans can make
- To enter log on to Re-turn.ie/Heroes. Deadline for entries is 5pm on 6 June 2025
Re-turn, the operator of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), today launched ‘Small Town, Big Difference’, a new campaign calling on community groups, clubs and schools across Ireland to share the inspiring stories of how they are making a big difference in their local area through the deposit return scheme.
The campaign was officially launched today by presenter and podcaster Jennifer Zamparelli, who will also help select the winning entries. Local community groups have until 5pm on 6 June to submit their story on the Re-turn.ie/Heroes webpage. The ten best stories will receive €2,000 donation for their local initiative.
From these winners, five will be selected to star in a local media campaign that celebrates the big difference that the smallest of donations can make.
Over the last year, over 3,000 local community groups have made a difference by raising funds through the DRS by asking people to donate their deposits from plastic bottles and cans to good causes.
Commenting on the launch, Jennifer Zamparelli, said, “I believe that communities are the backbone of our society, so I am absolutely delighted to work with Re-turn to celebrate all the amazing work that is happening across the country and to hear how local initiatives are using the Deposit Return Scheme to make a big difference in their area.
We really want entries from as many local groups as possible – big or small – so whether you’re a knitting circle with a cause, a local dance troupe or sports club champions, we want to hear from you!”
Jennifer Zamparelli teams up with Re-turn to launch ‘Small Town, Big Difference’
Who can enter?
Re-turn is looking for any local community groups, clubs, charities, schools or sports teams that have raised funds using the DRS and have an amazing story to tell about their fundraising efforts to date and what the donations have been used for.
Groups that enter the competition must be officially registered with Re-turn communities. If they have not already registered, simply email communities@re-turn.ie to register. This must be done by 5pm on 6 June 2025 to be considered as one of the finalists.
Who do we want to hear from?
Re-turn is keen to hear from community organisers, local legends and the club campaigners making an impact up and down the country. Entrants will be asked:
- What makes your group unique?
- How did you go about using the DRS to raise funds?
- What positive impact has your initiative had on your community?
- Is there anything else you’d like to share about your local initiative?
How to enter
Submissions from registered groups and those pending registration can be made through the Re-turn website from today, and the deadline for entries is 5pm on 6 June 2025.
Judging will take place in June, with the 10 winners notified before the end of June.
Commenting on the initiative, Ciaran Foley, CEO of Re-turn said: “Since the Deposit Return Scheme launched in February 2024, over 3,000 community initiatives across Ireland have used it to channel deposits into meaningful support for everything from sports clubs and school projects to tidy towns groups and voluntary rescue services. Thanks to the infrastructure now in place, over 2,600 Reverse Vending Machines and hundreds of manual return points, it’s easier than ever for communities to turn everyday recycling into real, local impact. With our ‘Small Town, Big Difference’ campaign, we’re championing these inspiring stories and encouraging even more people to share how deposit return is making a difference in their area.”
To enter the Small Town, Big Difference competition, please visit the Re-turn website here: www.Re-turn.ie/Heroes
Full terms and conditions apply for the competition, which can be found on the website.