Community Wide Clean-Up Saturday April 17 2010

All across Halton Hills hundreds of volunteers are getting ready to scour the ravines and ditches, the parks and trails, all for the betterment of the community. Many are part of large, well-organized community groups and others are simply individuals or families determined to do their bit. Collectively, their efforts make a huge difference in the appearance of our town. And just as important, their efforts clean-up the environment and make it healthier for all the species that live here.

Groups such as HARP (Hornby Area Rate Payers) have turned the annual spring clean up into a huge social event. After they scour miles of rural roads, they get together for a barbeque in the park. For many, it is a chance to catch up with their neighbours for the first time since the fall freeze up.

“Some people think that litter is something the Town should look after, but that is simply impossible. The cost would be out of the ball park,” said Litter Free Task Force Chair, Councillor Jane Fogal. “Virtually all communities rely on volunteers to do an annual community clean-up. It is very labour intensive picking up candy wrappers, cigarette butts, and water bottles. Thank goodness we have local heroes who willingly take on this job,” added Councillor Fogal.

High School students are reminded that they can use their community clean-up hours towards their volunteer requirements, if their time can be verified.

The Town of Halton Hills appreciates the tremendous support it receives from the local business community. Once again, Tim Horton’s will be donating gloves, t-shirts and product to support our efforts. McDonald’s will be making gloves and bags available to volunteers at all its Halton Hills restaurants. Superior Glove will be donating gloves for all of the school participants.

It is very helpful if participating groups register their clean-up location with the Town by calling 905-873-2601 ext. 2609. The Town will pick-up collected litter upon request. Free gloves and bags are also available at the Robert C. Austin Operations Centre located at 11620 Trafalgar Road.

22 MINUTE MAKEOVER MOVES TO EARTH DAY – THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2010

Earth Day will be 40 years old on Thursday, April 22, 2010. Halton Hills is ready to celebrate in an appropriate style. Thousands of students and employees will be out in full force on Earth Day picking up litter and generally tidying up Mother Earth.

It is expected that all Halton Hills schools, including all elementary, secondary and independent schools will participate.

Last year, businesses such as Sun Opta and Purity Life sent virtually all of their employees out on a beautiful spring day to collect truck loads of litter in Norval and Acton. It is hoped that even more businesses will see the value in participating this year.

The 22 Minute Makeover takes little more time than the average coffee break, but is much more rewarding and arguably more refreshing. Participants are usually quite excited by the time they have completed their 22 minutes of litter pick-up. They regularly remark that they are totally amazed at the amount of litter there is and how good they feel about getting it off the ground and out of sight.

Employees from the Town of Halton Hills will be participating with everyone doing their bit to clean-up our public spaces.

“We like to lead by example so our Town employees are encouraged to help out. It is all voluntary, but we make it fun, and this year we will have environmental prizes for some of our lucky participants, courtesy of Union Gas,” said Mayor Bonnette.

Any businesses wishing to participate are asked to register their clean-up locations and arrange for free gloves and bags by calling the Town of Halton Hills at 905-873-2601 ext. 2609.

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