Murray resident Jane Danzi and her son Cameron have seen more than their share of trials and tribulations - but starting a business together has transformed their lives in ways Jane had never thought possible.
When Cameron Danzi was five months old he developed a condition called pneumococcal meningitis. The condition caused a brain injury, epilepsy, total deafness in his right ear, a weakness in his right eye and weakness down the right side of his body.
Cameron was also diagnosed with an intellectual disability.
Now 25 years old, Cameron is non-verbal and continues to require intensive therapies to help him in his everyday life.
Cameron's mother Jane told the Mail her family wanted Cameron to find something meaningful and enjoyable to spend his days doing.
"Cameron is not able to go into the workforce like the rest of us can," Jane said.
"We had been searching for something that was meaningful - something he enjoyed putting his time into."
One day, his support worker suggested collecting cans for Western Australia's new Containers For Change program. Shortly after the discussion Cameron Collects was born.
Cameron Collects is a business that allows Cameron to pick up recyclable items from residential and commercial properties and deliver them to recycling centers to ensure they are processed correctly.
"People really got on board," Jane said. "Local businesses started putting containers out for Cameron, and neighbourhood residents started to get in contact with us about picking up from their homes."
According to Jane, the job was a mixture of everything Cameron loves to do.
"Cameron loves being around people. He may be non-verbal, but he forms the most amazing connections with people. He also loves being in the car and getting to drive around for the day."
Cameron Collects has provided Cameron an assortment of exciting opportunities, including an upcoming visit to Blaze Aid Camp to collect their water bottles.
"Blaze Aid is a charity that sets up camp to replace fences for property owners after natural disasters," Jane explained. "They have invited Cameron to collect their water bottles - they have a lot of them and want them to be disposed correctly."
Cameron's weeks are busy, collecting five days a week from an extensive list of areas, from Peel to Perth.
He works with his mum on some days and his support worker on others - and volunteers at Vinnies in Pinjarra on Saturdays.
"It is incredible how this has become such a community," Jane said. "Cameron never forgets a person, he loves to see familiar faces."
"Sometimes we have to carry the bags to the car because he's too busy socialising," Jane said, laughing.
Samantha Ferguson
Samantha Ferguson is a journalist at the Mandurah Mail. She is an entertainment, sport, crime, community and education journalist with a special interest in investigative pieces and human interest stories.
Samantha Ferguson is a journalist at the Mandurah Mail. She is an entertainment, sport, crime, community and education journalist with a special interest in investigative pieces and human interest stories.
