Help get Battery Man to $1M

His efforts have now raised more than $880,000, and he is determined to reach the next milestone.

“My goal is a million, and we’re so close,” Mr Archer said.

“It’d be fantastic to get there.”

Mr Archer started this initiative while supporting a local children’s fundraiser, seeking a way to make a more significant impact.

“Everyone’s got old batteries in their backyard or business,” he said.

“I thought, why not? Let’s turn something that causes harm into something that helps kids.”

In its first year, the project collected over $3000, and the following year, it brought in more than $10,000.

Since then, it has grown into a major community effort, often generating around 100 tonnes of batteries annually.

However, this past year has presented new challenges.

“Twelve months ago, I had a heart attack,” Mr Archer said.

“I’ve had another scare since, and with arthritis too, I’m finding it hard to pick up batteries now.”

Although he can no longer travel the region to collect donations, Mr Archer remains committed to the cause.

“I don’t want to give it up,” he said.

“It’s raising money for our local children’s hospital and helping our own kids.”

Batteries can still be dropped off at Natrad Shepparton, and Mr Archer hopes local volunteers will help sort and load them for recycling.

“If some people could come in on a Saturday morning or something, we could open up for people to drop batteries off,” he said.

“Any help would mean a lot.”

Mr Archer emphasised that the fundraiser had always been about community.

“These are our kids, our future,” he said.

“Let’s give them a hand, get them back out there, going to school, living their lives.”

Anyone wishing to donate batteries or volunteer can contact Paul Archer on 0457 000 423 or visit Natrad Shepparton at 20 Campbell St.

With continued community support, Mr Archer hopes to reach the $1 million mark by 2026.