One of the most inspiring community initiatives connected with Branch 296 is the Tabs for Wheelchairs effort, a long-standing project where aluminium pop can tabs are collected, recycled, and the proceeds used to purchase wheelchairs, walkers, and other assistive devices for people in need. This project is part of a broader Tabs for Wheelchairs program led by the Elora Legion, which has been turning pop tabs into mobility equipment for decades.
A passionate supporter of this cause is Harriston resident Greg Blagdon, who has dedicated years to collecting pop tabs and donating them through the Harriston Legion. Greg’s efforts span thousands of hours of sorting and organizing contributions from across Ontario, and his work has resulted in millions of tabs being donated to support the program. In 2025 alone, he delivered around 850,000 tabs (almost 920 two-litre bottles) to the Legion, bringing his lifetime total to about 2.5 million tabs collected since 2017.
Greg began collecting tabs after learning about the wheelchair project and has inspired others in the community to contribute. His work attracts donations from local residents and even from as far away as Nova Scotia and Toronto, demonstrating the power of community involvement. For his service, Greg received a certificate from the House of Commons, recognizing his “dedication and commitment in helping others in our community.” Greg is pictured with his certificate above.
Through efforts like Greg’s and the ongoing support of Legion members and volunteers, the Tabs for Wheelchairs project continues to provide mobility and independence to those who need it most, turning simple acts of collection into meaningful support and lasting impact.
Greg’s initiative has been featured in many news articles over the years, which are linked below.
Harriston man has collected, donated about 2.5 million pop tabs since 2017
HARRISTON – Since he was a child, Gregory Blagdon has cared about people who are less fortunate.
So it’s no surprise to those who know Blagdon best that the 44-year-old recently donated around 850,000 pop can tabs to the Harriston Legion’s Tabs for Wheelchairs project.
Greg Blagdon makes generous pop tab donation to Harriston Legion
Pop star – Harriston Legion Branch 296 president Hugh Clunas, left, recently accepted another massive batch of pop can tabs from local resident Greg Blagdon, who has been collecting the tabs for years and really started ramping up his efforts around 2016.
This year he collected 202 two-litre bottles containing approximately 2,800 tabs each for a total of 565,600 tabs.
Pop tab power: Local man continues to assist wheelchair program
HARRISTON – Harriston resident Greg Blagdon has been on a mission to benefit anyone in need of a wheelchair.
For more than five years now, Blagdon has been collecting pop tabs in support of a Royal Canadian Legion project.
Turning pop tabs into wheelchairs still a passion for Greg Blagdon
HARRISTON – Greg Blagdon of Harriston has hit his annual goal in an ongoing effort to help purchase wheelchairs.
Blagdon has been collecting pop tabs since his school days in support of a project started many years ago by Elora Legion member Jack Baumber.
Blagdon contributes 84,000 pop tabs to wheelchair effort
Gregory Blagdon of Harriston has been collecting pop tabs since his school days in support of a project started many years ago by Elora Legion member Jack Baumber.