Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup calls on volunteers to participate in the world’s largest cleanup
Vancouver, B.C. / Toronto, O.N. – The Vancouver Aquarium and WWF’s Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, presented by Loblaw Companies Limited, is calling on volunteers across the country to make this year’s shoreline cleanup the biggest ever, joining hundreds of thousands of people around the world.
Saturday, September 20th marks the International Coastal Cleanup, the world’s largest volunteer effort to clean up the planet’s rivers, lakes and oceans. Here in Canada, the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup will host celebration cleanups across the country on the same day.
“We’re calling on everyone to do their part,” says Susan Debreceni, program manager, Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup. “Each and every person who volunteers makes a real difference towards cleaner shorelines in their community.”
In 2013, the efforts of Canadians participating in the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup made it the fourth largest coastal cleanup in the world, behind the U.S., the Philippines and Hong Kong. This year, organizers hope to see Canadians remove even more trash, litter and debris from vulnerable shoreline environments.
“Shoreline litter is one of the biggest threats to the health of our rivers, lakes and oceans,” says David Miller, President and CEO of WWF-Canada. “Participating in these cleanups is a great way for people to get involved and connect with nature while tackling this important issue.”
“Loblaw is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup for the fifth consecutive year, which is made possible through partial proceeds from our charge-for-plastic shopping bag program in stores,” says Bob Chant, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Communication, Loblaw Companies Limited. “With more than 1,600 Loblaw employees taking part in shoreline cleanups across Canada we are helping to make a difference and we are encouraging all Canadians to do the same.”
To participate in the fall coast-to-coast cleanup — which began Sept. 1 and runs until Oct. 31 —visit ShorelineCleanup.ca, search for a public event site to join a cleanup, or volunteers can register as a site coordinator and organize their own.
On International Coastal Cleanup Day, September 20, 2014, the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup will host celebration cleanups across the country in the following locations:
Vancouver: Iona Beach Regional Park
Toronto: Woodbine Beach Park
Ottawa: Parliament Hill Shoreline, Ottawa River
Montreal: Verdun Auditorium
Halifax: Point Pleasant Park at Black Rock Beach
St. John’s: St. Philip’s Shoreline
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 and WWF, the Shoreline Cleanup aims to promote understanding of shoreline litter issues by engaging Canadians to rehabilitate shoreline areas through cleanups. ShorelineCleanup.ca
About Vancouver Aquarium
The Vancouver Aquarium is a non‐profit society dedicated to the conservation of aquatic life. www.vanaqua.org
About WWF
WWF is creating solutions to the most serious conservation challenges facing our planet, helping people and nature thrive. www.wwf.ca
About 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
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Media contacts:
Deana Lancaster | Vancouver Aquarium | 604 659 3752 | [email protected]
Weiwei Su | WWF-Canada | 416 939 9662 | [email protected]
Loblaw Companies Limited | 905 459 2500 | [email protected]