Meet the Site Coordinators of the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup: Terry Fielder

WWF

Terry realizes that the importance of the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup is not only in keeping our planet healthy, but also in having participants learn this by taking action.  Seeing all the litter first hand, picking it up with their own hands, and then seeing the difference they’ve made really makes an impression.
Read on to see find out about Terry’s experiences cleaning up shorelines:
Q: When and how did you first get involved in the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup?
A: I first got involved 5 years ago when I heard about it through another group.
Q: What is your favorite thing about this initiative?
A: What I like about this initiative is that we get to teach youth about the impact of various pollutants/garbage on the wildlife in the water – and they see it first hand.

Q: How do you encourage people in your community to get involved in cleanups?
A: We use communication channels through our Scout group,9th Pickering Scouts (email lists, word of mouth with parents) to get as many people out as we can.
Q: Do you have any tips for new site coordinators?
A: My best tip for new site coordinators is to “give back” somehow to get participation, e.g. have a BBQ at the end, either free or “at cost”.  Free is better! Fund raise to make it happen and you will get better responses from people.

Terry and crew do cleanups more than once a year.  In fact, at their ‘summer cleanup’ in July, they had 29 people participate!  However, more are always needed.  As Terry puts it, “I had enough canoes and kayaks for 40 people, so we were well-equipped, but short on people!”
The satisfaction of making a real difference, having fun outside at the end of summer, making new friends, eating barbequed food, enjoying kayaks and canoes: if that isn’t enough encouragement to participate, I don’t know what it is! Sign up today and if you refer four friends you will be eligible to win an iPad2 with Wi-Fi!