WeCan is a not-for-profit that provides adults with intellectual disabilities opportunities for paid meaningful employment, helps them be a part of their communities and has a positive impact on the environment.
The story of WeCan all began in March 2024 when CluneTech, a suite of global technology businesses headquartered in Kilkenny, dedicated their monthly CSR Spotlight to Autism Awareness.
As part of the spotlight, they shared an interview with Johnny McCarthy, Facilities Manager, CluneTech, and his son Adam. Adam, who’s 28, has autism and was delighted to jump on camera to give a unique insight into his life, his autism diagnosis and some of the many things he enjoys doing.
For those who have had the pleasure of meeting Adam, they will be familiar with his bubbly and outgoing personality which has always brought so much joy to CluneTech’s HQ in Kilkenny. It was there that Terry Clune, CluneTech CEO and Founder, asked Johnny whether Adam was receiving payment for the jobs he does around the office.
Johnny advised that Adam attendsSOS Kilkennyduring the day and that he enjoys giving a hand in the mornings and evenings. Terry was eager to find a way to find a way to provide Adam with paid and meaningful employment, and the conversation then turned to Adam’s favourite task: returning the cans and bottles to the local supermarket.
From there, Terry and Johnny began discussing the possibility of offering this as a service to other businesses in the area. The rest, you could say is history and the idea of WeCan came to life.
Provide adults with intellectual disabilities meaningful employment that is in line with their capabilities.
Drive participation in the deposit return scheme and thus, assist with boosting the country’s recycling rates, with the EU mandating Ireland to achieve 77% recycling of plastic bottles by 2025, escalating to 90% by 2030.
Actively play a role in protecting our environment by reducing litter and waste.
Offer businesses a sustainable and practical solution for returning their cans and bottles.
Advocate for an inclusive society by enabling adults with intellectual disabilities to bring value to their local communities.
Further benefit communities by donating any excess funds raised to local charities and causes.
Together, WeCan all work together to make the world a better, more inclusive, and more environmentally friendly place.
We have been blown away by the support we have received so far and would like to emphasise that we cannot do this without the local business community. We would like to express our sincere gratitude for you coming on board and we look forward to having you along this journey with us.
