Ryan Hulance, a 13-year-old from Solihull, England, is proving that age is no barrier to making a real difference. Since 2023, he has been collecting used cans from local shops and his community, turning them into a source of funding for food banks while also helping reduce waste.
What started as a small effort—gathering a few hundred cans per week—quickly grew with the support of his family and community. His parents initially helped by flattening cans to make recycling easier, and later, a donated industrial hydraulic press allowed Ryan to scale up his efforts significantly.
Over the past three years, Ryan has recycled more than 1.5 million cans, raising over $20,000 (approximately 650,000 baht) to support families in need. Despite balancing school and a desire to spend time with friends, he dedicates around 20 hours per week to his project, working after school and on weekends.
Ryan admits there are moments he would rather relax or play games, but his passion for helping others keeps him going. His story is a powerful reminder that meaningful change doesn’t require waiting for the “perfect time” or having vast resources—it simply begins with taking action. With a strong can-do attitude and consistent effort, even the smallest initiative can create a lasting impact on both society and the environment.
Cr. goodnewsnetwork
