The tabs keep on coming

Sage Creek

St. Boniface

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 08/05/2024 (514 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

For the last four years, Isla Pleskach has been collecting the tabs off the top of drink cans.

And they keep on coming. In fact, the nine-year-old Sage Creek resident has now collected more than six million of them to date.

Pleskach started collecting tabs shortly after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and after learning about Gwen Buccini — the driving force behind the Tabs for Wheelchairs initiative, which provides specialized wheelchairs to youngsters with specific needs — Pleskach has gone from strength to strength.

“It’s amazing to watch her feel so deeply about all of this,” said Pleskach’s mother, Julie. “It makes me feel extremely proud that someone as young as Isla can make such a difference. Gwen has been such a driving force, and she always lets Isla know how proud she is of her and makes her feel part of things.”

Isla said she enjoys collecting the tabs, and appreciates the contributions of everyone who chips in.

“It feels good. My goal keeps getting bigger and bigger,” she said.

“I think it makes a difference, and I love feeling that I’m part of Tabs for Wheelchairs,” Pleskach added, noting she’s become pen pals with a former wheelchair recipient, Catie.

“I like helping others. It makes me feel good. I’d like to encourage everyone to come together and collect tabs. I like to see people come together.”

The deadline to contribute tabs to this year’s campaign is May 31. Individuals can drop off tabs at Trailblazers Life Choices, located at 1031 Autumnwood Dr. This year’s wheelchair recipient is Kyrie, who will receive her specialized wheelchair at an assembly at Holy Cross School in June.

The Tabs for Wheelchairs initiative started in 1998 at Holy Cross, where Buccini was a teacher, and it has continued to grow and garner donations from numerous schools, organizations and companies, as well as countless individuals across Winnipeg and Manitoba.