The Great Wilderness Cleanup 2009
Written by Nancy Maddock

It's that time of year again!!

Spring is almost upon us, the weather is warming up, and that means it's almost time to polish up the paddles and hiking boots.

Kevin Callan and I are once again proud to announce that we will be hosting The Great Wilderness Cleanup 2009 volunteer cleanup event. It has become a tradition that the main event be held during Mother's Day Weekend (in honour of Mother Earth) which falls this year on May 9-10. Those who are unable to participate that weekend may choose another time that best suits their needs.

If you're not already familiar with this event, the basic idea is to get a group of friends, family or co-workers together, choose a name for your group, pick a favourite spot in the outdoors and spend a fun weekend canoeing, hiking, backpacking, or camping while picking up the trash along your way that thoughtless others have left behind. It's a great way to spend quality time with people you care about and do a great thing at the same time!

PLEASE NOTE: ALL VOLUNTEERS WILL BE PARTICIPATING AT THEIR OWN RISKS. PLEASE BE CAREFUL AND BE AWARE OF ANY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS OR COLD TEMPERATURES!!!

I would love to see some new faces this year along with our devoted regulars. Maybe we will have a prize for the group with the most first-time volunteers... And this event is open to the entire WORLD!! Last year we had 4 countries involved, including Canada, USA, UK and Brazil. Literally hundreds of volunteers participated. Let's make it even bigger and better this year!!!! This planet has become a dirty place, so let's get together and help clean her up!!

For further information and to join, please e-mail me at wildernesscleanup@rogers.com . Please let me know how many are in your group, the name of your group and the place you will be cleaning up.

Together we are making a real difference.