Volunteers will be cleaning highways this weekend.
Alberta’s highways will be getting cleaned up this weekend.
On Saturday, May 2, volunteers wearing bright safety vests will be collecting trash along Alberta highways from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. to help raise money for community organizations.
This is the 50th year this highway cleanup initiative has taken place.
“Since its inception in 1976, the annual event has seen tens of thousands of Albertans collecting litter and debris from thousands of kilometres of roadside. This grassroots tradition not only helps preserve the natural beauty of Alberta’s landscapes but also fosters community spirit and environmental stewardship.” Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors, stated in a release.
Ever since this cleanup initiative began in 1976, over $20 million has been paid to over 17,000 clubs and organizations that participated in the highway cleanup, which represents over 380,000 volunteers.
As a result of those volunteers cleaning the highways, over 1.1 million bags of trash along nearly 250,000 kilometres of highway.
The Alberta government pays $100 per kilometre of highway cleaned as part of this initiative.
While the highways are being cleaned, drivers are being asked to slow down, obey signs, and be careful when passing those cleaning up the highways, and those participating in the cleanup are being asked to stay aware of your surrounding, stay visible, and obey all traffic signs.
Those who wish to volunteer in the highway cleanup must be 9 years of age or older and take part in a safety training program.
If the weather is not cooperating, the cleanup will be held on Saturday, May 9th instead.
To learn more, click here.
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