This release was issued under a previous government.
A wet and snowy spring did not stop 7,136 young Albertans from cleaning up the province’s highways for a 36th year.
Volunteers from 566 clubs and non-profit groups filled 55,641 garbage bags with trash from more than 9,700 kilometres of rights-of-way. That’s enough garbage to fill 95 average-size bungalows.
The participants earned an estimated $853,650 for their organizations. More than 6,200 adult supervisors helped keep the event safe.
Last year, 7,400 volunteers cleaned approximately 9,800 kilometres of right-of-way and earned $813,180 for their organizations. Despite the later start this spring more garbage was collected than last year.
For most areas south of Lacombe, rain and/or snow postponed the original May 5 cleanup day to May 12.
The highway cleanup is an annual event held on the first or second Saturday in May, as weather permits. Established as a fundraiser for non-profit and community groups, the program also helps keep Alberta’s highways clean and safe by removing garbage from rights-of-way.
Visit www.transportation.alberta.ca/605.htm for more details on highway cleanup programs in Alberta.
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Trent Bancarz
Communications
Alberta Transportation
780-427-0623
To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.