Pune’s Honesty: SWaCH Returns Valuable Silverware in Accidental Donation
Pune, 13th Jan 2024: In a remarkable demonstration of integrity, SWaCH, the waste pickers’ cooperative, turned a citizen’s accidental donation into a heartwarming story of honesty and community spirit. The citizen, unaware that their contribution included valuable silverware worth 1.20 lakh rupees, was pleasantly surprised when the organization’s staff uncovered the hidden treasures in the bag of reusables received at SWaCH V Collect, a Reuse and Recycling Centre in Aundh.
Upon discovering the significant value of the silverware, SWaCH’s dedicated team took immediate action. They identified the citizen, reached out promptly, and returned the valuable items, showcasing their commitment to ethical practices and community trust.
Ayyapan Hariharan, upon receiving the valuables, expressed sincere appreciation for the organization’s honesty. “The steel trunks with unused stainless-steel utensils and other items were handed over to SWaCH V Collect center for reuse unaware of the silverware inside of it. I truly appreciate the complete integrity of SWaCH employees who returned the silver articles which were given away.” Expressing their gratitude, the Hariharan family donated a sum for the welfare of waste pickers.
This incident underlines the value system SWaCH believes in and has been putting into action for the last 17 years. In similar incidents in the past, waste pickers have maintained their commitment to returning valuables. It reflects the true spirit of community service, commitment to citizens, and integrity in work. SWaCH works with the mission to foster environmental sustainability and waste pickers’ dignity.
SWaCH V Collect Centre near Aundh’s Bremen Chowk is open on all days except public holidays for receiving reusables like old clothes, artifacts, utensils, footwear, bags, books, and E-Waste.
