In recognition of Earth Day on April 22, the town of Oakville is hosting the 33rd annual Earth Day Clean Up on April 20 from 9 to 11 a.m.
The event is being organized by the Oakville Community Centre For Peace, Ecology and Human Rights (OCCPEHR) and is sponsored primarily by the Town of Oakville’s Parks and Open Space Department, Halton Region Waste Management, Film.ca Cinemas, Panago Pizza, Starbucks as well as many local businesses, eight resident associations, faith groups and community organizations.
There will be more than 65 cleanup locations to volunteer at across all seven wards, ranging from seven to 14 sites per ward.
For a full breakdown of locations, refer to the OCCPEHR website.
“Join in with millions of people around the world who will be doing something positive for the protection of the natural environment and all living things on Earth Day by pitching in at the annual Oakville Clean Up," said Stephen Dankowich, co-founder and executive director of OCCPEHR.
"While April 22 is the actual Earth Day, first celebrated in 1970, we organize our event to coincide as close as possible to this date."
According to a news release from OCCPEHR, this year's event theme is "that we are 'For a clean, green, litter-free Oakville.'”
Trash bags and disposable gloves of different sizes will be provided at the event location. Attendees are advised to bring their own cloth or leather work gloves, grabbers, and other cleanup tools.
All volunteers will receive a coupon for a free small box of popcorn to enjoy compliments of Film.ca Cinemas.
The organization says they're looking to build on their most successful cleanup ever, which took place last year and saw over 1,400 volunteers at 72 sites and hauled away 7.1 metric tonnes of garbage and .86 metric tonnes of metal.
According to OCCPEHR, the total weight of all the items was 18,400 lbs which was trucked away by Miller Waste Systems that afternoon.
“High school students can earn two to three volunteer hours by pitching in, too. Site coordinators will have a form letter to give students upon completion of their assignment on Saturday, April 20 which you will take to your guidance department or principal on Monday after the event. Bring your own form letter if your school issues them. Come as a team of friends,” said event coordinator Stephen Dankowich.
To register for this year's event, email [email protected] with the location you will be helping at.