The Ladysmith Sportsmen’s Club’s ninth annual outdoor cleanup was an unfortunate success.
They ended up collecting a dishearteningly large amount of refuse from natural areas in the community, covering spots around Spruston Road, Timberlands area and Peerless Road.
“These areas we have covered before, but we have to go back and back and back. It’s too bad that folks don’t show the respect for the natural beauty we have in our own backyard,” said event coordinator Dave Judson.
The club attracted more than 140 volunteers to show up and pitch in picking up garbage, building and roofing material and even abandoned vehicles on Saturday, April 20.
“The support, especially from families, is great and with all the other help from the business community, makes it possible for us to help clean up even just a little bit,” Judson said. “Over 120 tonnes of discarded debris was collected from the natural areas, around the community, and then disposed of properly.”
Assisting in the community clean up were Hudson Procter Contracting, Xtend Rentals, Ryler Bulk, Johnston Contracting, West Coast Hazmat and the Back Country Horsemen of B.C. Financial assistance was given by the Ladysmith Rotary Club along with the local Eagles fraternity.
Judson suggested that if people see anyone disposing of garbage of any type in the bush or on the side of the road, they should call the Ministry of the Environment’s Report all Poachers and Polluters hotline at 1-877-952-7277.
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