Canadians invited to join them in the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup
VANCOUVER, April 21, 2016 /CNW/ - Members of Girl Guides of Canada–Guides du Canada (GGC) are showing their love for the planet this Earth Day by signing up for the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup in record numbers — and we encourage all Canadians to follow their lead in keeping shorelines and waterways healthy from coast to coast.
In 2015, Girl Guides of Canada joined forces with the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, the country's largest direct action conservation initiative, organized by the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre and WWF-Canada, and presented by Loblaw Companies Limited. Almost 6,000 Guiders, family and friends participated in the cross-Canada cleanups throughout the year.
For 2016, the group is on track to top those numbers, with 95 cleanups already scheduled and more added each week.
"Girls making a difference in their communities is a big part of what Guiding is all about," said Rochelle Strauss, manager, Programming at GGC. "In 2015, our members collected over 5,270 kg of litter — from cigarette butts and plastic bottles to computer monitors and food wrappers. Bit by bit, it all adds up in big ways, allowing girls to really see the impact they're making."
"It's welcome help," said Kate Le Souef, manager of the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup. "Litter and debris have become a critical issue in all of Canada's waterways, from the Great Lakes to our ocean coastlines, and in every river, pond and watershed. Our trash impacts ecosystems and wildlife, so it's up to us to take action," said Le Souef. "Girl Guides of Canada is the leading organization for women and girls in the country. Their participation is an enormous and welcome boost for the program."
Shoreline cleanups also provide opportunities for girls to get outside, learn about aquatic ecosystems and about how they can help protect them. "The Sparks, Brownies and Guides had a great time exploring around the pond and cleaning up," said Guide leader Sarah Martyn, of a cleanup organized by the Casselman Girl Guides in Casselman, Ont, near Ottawa. The girls cleaned the shoreline of the Cedres Avenue Pond: "What an amazing learning experience and such a great way to get them involved in community service as well as protecting our environment," she added. It's a sentiment shared by other groups who coordinated cleanups.
Le Souef said she hopes more Canadians will follow the example set by the Girl Guides, and register to coordinate shoreline cleanups in their own communities via ShorelineCleanup.ca.
Looking for an event to join for Earth Day? Check out our list of public cleanups over the Earth Day weekend.
About the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup
The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, presented by Loblaw Companies Limited, is one of the largest direct action conservation programs in Canada. A conservation initiative of the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre and WWF-Canada, the Shoreline Cleanup aims to promote understanding of shoreline litter issues by engaging Canadians to rehabilitate shoreline areas through cleanups. ShorelineCleanup.ca
About Girl Guides of Canada–Guides du Canada
Guiding provides a safe environment that invites girls and young women to challenge themselves, to find their voice, meet new friends, have fun and make a difference in the world. Girl Guides of Canada–Guides du Canada (GGC) strives to ensure that girls and women from all walks of life, identities and lived experiences feel a sense of belonging and can fully participate. Girl Guides is an organization with more than 105 years of history and a strong and growing future.
About Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre
The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre is a non‐profit society dedicated to the conservation of aquatic life. www.vanaqua.org
About WWF-Canada
WWF-Canada builds solutions to the environmental challenges that matter most for Canadians. We work in places that are unique and ecologically important, so that together, wildlife, nature and people thrive. Because we are all wildlife. Wwf.ca
Loblaw Companies Limited
Loblaw Companies Limited is Canada's food and pharmacy leader, the nation's largest retailer, and the majority unit holder of Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust. www.loblaw.ca
SOURCE Vancouver Aquarium
Media contact: Deana Lancaster | Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre | 604.659.3752 | [email protected]; Rowena Calpito | WWF-Canada | 416.489.4567 x7267 | [email protected]
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