What began as a simple act of giving, has grown into a remarkable legacy of generosity.
Over the past few years, Sparwood resident Debbie Russo has been collecting refundable bottles and cans from across the Elk Valley and donating every dollar to Angel Flight. Recently, while reviewing historical donations, Angel Flight discovered that her contributions beginning with her first donation in August 2021, total an incredible $44,669.84.
Moved by the discovery, members of Angel Flight travelled to Sparwood to meet Debbie and her husband Tony in person, to say thank you and to better understand the dedication behind her efforts.
What they found was an operation built on determination, community support, and heart.
Bottles and cans arrive at Debbie’s door from many sources, including community members who drop off recyclables, the Sparwood and Elkford Curling Clubs, the Sparwood Golf Course, and even, on one occasion, a full seacan from the local mine. A small pullbehind trailer sits in her yard to make dropoffs easy, and when needed, Debbie will even collect bottles herself. With a small SUV used to transport collections, Debbie carefully coordinates each arrangement and finds ways to manage even larger loads when needed.
“People around here call me the Angel Flight lady,” Debbie shared.
Once collected, everything is cleaned, sorted, crushed and stored, with the kitchen serving as the heart of their operation. A garden shed, purchased specifically for this purpose, holds neatly organized bags until there is enough for a return.
Debbie explained that when she first started, every can was crushed by hand, pointing to the original hand crusher still mounted on her porch. As the volume increased, Tony stepped in to help by setting up an air-compressor-powered crusher, making the work more manageable and less physically demanding.
The process of preparing and returning thousands of bottles and cans requires a significant investment of time and energy, a commitment Debbie takes on herself, with Tony’s unwavering support.
When asked what first inspired her to begin this pursuit, Debbie shared that she started while still working full-time. After later sustaining a serious back injury at work and eventually retiring, the effort became her focus.
“I just kept at it,” she said. “This is what I do now.”
Debbie is also a cancer survivor, and cancer has touched her family in profound ways. Before Angel Flight existed, Debbie lost her brother, her sister, and her father to cancer. After years of supporting other causes, she shifted her efforts to Angel Flight, a service she knows firsthand makes a meaningful difference for residents of the East Kootenays.
“While collecting, I hear many stories from people who have used Angel Flight’s services, or from somebody close to them who has had to. It’s very much needed, and I’m very thankful that I can help in some small part.”
Angel Flight is sincerely grateful to Debbie and Tony for their extraordinary effort and longstanding support. For those interested in learning more about Angel Flight, requesting a flight, or supporting the volunteer-run charity through a donation, visit https://angelflightek.ca/.
As reported to the Cranbrook Townsman, January 21, 2026, https://cranbrooktownsman.com/2026/01/21/sparwood-resident-recognized-for-charitable-contributions-to-angel-flight/