Mr Archer has dedicated his time to travelling thousands of kilometres around northern Victoria and southern NSW collecting old car batteries, recycling them and giving 100 per cent of the money raised to Goulburn Valley Health.
After raising $3500 in his first year, Mr Archer now raises tens of thousands of dollars for the hospital. He donated $24640.91 in December.
‘‘I just like doing it to help out the community,’’ he said.
‘‘And I like to think I’m helping the environment so they’re not just sitting around.
‘‘We’re definitely going to break the $500000 this year (for the total amount raised over the past nine years).’’
It was a case of boredom that saw Mr Archer come up with the idea several years ago, and since then he’s been thrilled to see how the community has embraced the effort.
With 100 per cent of the funds raised going to the hospital, Mr Archer said one fifth would be spent on toys, games and other items to help make the hospital a more enjoyable place for the young patients, while the remaining 80 per cent would go towards ‘‘whatever they need’’.
After setting the goal of raising $100000 in 12 months, Mr Archer last year smashed the goal when he raised $124536.20 between July 2017 and July 2018.
■If you have batteries to contribute to the battery collection initiative, you can drop them off at Natrad Shepparton, 20 Campbell St; ask your local mechanic if they’re involved; or phone Paul Archer on 5821 8500 or 0457 000 423 for more information.