Annual Pathway and River Cleanup aims to inspire citizens to keep Calgary clean year round
Over 2,800 registered volunteers are donating their time this morning to help pick up thousands of kilograms of garbage as part of the 48th annual Pathway and River Cleanup. Together, they will cover almost 200 kilometres collecting litter in every quadrant of the city.
The event is held each spring to help clean up the city’s pathways and river banks and promote environmental stewardship among citizens. It serves as a reminder to Calgarians about the importance of caring for our parks and green spaces year round.
“We are so happy to have another amazing volunteer turnout this year, and we thank everyone who is taking part in the event,” says Julie Guimond, Acting Lead, Environmental & Education Initiatives, City of Calgary Parks. “Through increased participation and awareness of the Pathway and River Cleanup, our goal is to inspire Calgarians to manage their waste responsibly year round so that we have less garbage to collect each spring.”
The Pathway and River Cleanup is coordinated by Parks in partnership with Waste & Recycling Services, Animal & Bylaw Services and the Calgary Fire Department. This year’s event is sponsored by Matrix Solutions Inc. and TD Bank Group.
“TD's focus on the environment is just one way we're making a difference in the communities where we work and live,” says Ted Koleff, Vice President, TD Insurance. “Through our sponsorship of The City’s TLC Kits and the Pathway and River Cleanup, we are able to help keep Calgary's neighbourhoods and parks green.”
Volunteers for the Pathway and River Cleanup are required to register by mid April to allow for group assignments and safety training. Nearly 80 per cent of the volunteers return each year. Participants include nonprofit organizations, community associations, local businesses and City staff. A group of City of Calgary youth volunteers will be taking part in the event this year.
“I’m participating in the Cleanup because it’s fun and I get to help clean the environment,” says Ben Romero, a Parks youth volunteer. “I think it's important for youth to get involved in community events because they get different experiences and can meet lots of people.”
The Pathway and River Cleanup concludes at 12 p.m. today. Calgarians are encouraged to stay connected throughout the event by following @CalgaryParks using #yyccleans on Twitter and Instagram.
Keeping Calgary clean is a shared responsibility. Citizens are encouraged to get involved by always picking up and properly disposing of their litter year round. They can also organize their own community cleanups using The City of Calgary’s TLC Kits. Information about the kits and pick up locations can be found at calgary.ca/tlckits.
To learn more about the Pathway and River Cleanup, visit calgary.ca/pathwayandrivercleanup.