Tables, toys made from waste a hit

WHEN Denver Allison, 40, of Booysen Park, recycles waste material in his backyard workshop, he aims to make a difference in his community.

Allison, who lost both his legs in a hit-and-run accident months before his 21st birthday, wears prostheses.

He walks around his neighbourhood collecting waste material, including wood off-cuts and plastic bottles, to recycle into furniture and educational toys for early childhood development centres.

"I use the wood, most of which is off- cuts from building houses, to make tables and chairs for children," he said.

"I'm very interested in early childhood development and enjoy making colourful shapes and numbers to help children learn. I've also made cute soap holders from plastic, that the kids can use when washing their hands at school."

Allison was one of the 50 people who received training in making goods from waste material through the Helenvale recycling initiative (Heri)in 2012. The programme was run by the Northern Areas People Development Initiative. - Alvené du Plessis