VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA and TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 10/11/11 -- This year's Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, presented by Loblaw Companies Limited, came to a successful end last week with nearly 49,000 people registering to remove litter from 1,527 shoreline cleanup sites across Canada to help keep waters healthy for the wildlife and communities that depend on them.
A conservation initiative of the Vancouver Aquarium and WWF, participants of this year's Shoreline Cleanup included some high-profile supporters, such as NHL great Scott Niedermayer and Toronto Argonaut, Joe Eppele.
Although cigarette butts, food wrappers and plastic bottles were some of the most common items found, participants also retrieved a set of false teeth, a toilet and a lawnmower!
Quotes
"We are thrilled with the number of Canadians who committed to host and
participate in shoreline cleanups this year. Their support has made a real
difference in the fight to prevent shoreline litter. We hope to build on
this year's success in 2012."
-Jill Dwyer, Program Manager, Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, Vancouver
Aquarium
"It's great to see so many Canadians caring for their local shorelines. The
constant flow of water can carry litter to very sensitive ecosystems, with
devastating impact. Keeping our waters clean and healthy starts with these
communities."
-Tony Mass, Director of WWF's Freshwater Program
"Loblaw is proud to support the shoreline cleanup with the funds from our
national charge-for-plastic shopping bag program. In 2010, this program
helped reduce plastic bag use in our stores nationally by 73 per cent, which
means fewer plastic bags in landfills and on our shorelines."
-Bob Chant, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Loblaw Companies Limited
Facts
-- 48,839 Canadians registered for the 2011 Great Canadian Shoreline
Cleanup in every province and territory
-- Some unusual items found include: a set of false teeth, a toilet and a
lawnmower
-- Shoreline litter can affect ecosystems, tourism, water quality and
wildlife
The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, presented by Loblaw Companies Limited is also supported by The Home Depot Canada Foundation and Molson Canadian Red Leaf Project as national sponsors, and in Ontario, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.
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. www.ShorelineCleanup.ca
About the Vancouver Aquarium
The Vancouver Aquarium is a global leader in connecting people to our natural world, and a self-supporting, non-profit association dedicated to effecting the conservation of aquatic life through display and interpretation, education, research and direct action. 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, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. www.loblaw.ca
Contacts:
WWF
Ryley Murray
416-489-4567 ext. 7337
rmurray@wwfcanada.org
The Vancouver Aquarium
Jean Fong
604-659-3561
jean.fong@vanaqua.org
