He is going for a world record and he can sure use your help.  Russell Smith knows how to keep tabs on the bigger picture.  The Keyano Recycler is collecting soda pop can tabs for a Guiness World Record and also to donate to the Wheel Chair Foundation of Canada, which uses the melted tabs for constructing the mobility aids.

Russell, 22, who works for the Facilities department at Keyano College, is a Keyano alum as well. He completed the Transitional program in 2008, and was already recycling for the College before coming full circle as an employee recently.

He plans to create a 1,000 feet long chain with the tabs, possibly displaying it at the Syncrude Sport & Wellness Centre.

“I’m not sure how many tabs I’ll need to do this. Maybe a million,” guesses Russell.

He first became aware of the Wheel Chair Foundation of Canada in grade 8 at Dr. Clark School, when his teacher, Mrs. Coghill told the class about the non-profit group, which endeavours to provide, children, teens and adults with wheel chairs all over the world – specifically those who can’t afford them.

He has collected an estimated 2,000 tabs, or more already and has pretty much lost count.

“I feel great about getting the help from Keyano College.  When I recycle all the bottles and cans, I get to keep the tabs, and that helps a lot,” explains Russell, who can be seen making daily rounds of the College recycling from the Clearwater Campus to the Bob Lamb Building and the Sport & Wellness Centre.

Those wishing to help Russell with his fundraiser can save their tabs and take them to the reception area by Security in the Clearwater Campus.

“No energy drinks please, unless they have regular tabs, or odd-shaped tabs; just soda pop style,” requests Smith.

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