An annual rite of spring on Prince Edward Island will be celebrating its 35th anniversary this year as Women’s Institute members from across the province are once again preparing for the annual WI roadside cleanup.
Every spring since 1973, waves of WI members and interested Islanders have taken to Island roadsides, picking the litter that has accumulated in ditches throughout the winter.
Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry Jamie Ballem says their service through the years has been invaluable.
“The PEI Women’s Institute has been a leader in the fight against litter for decades,” Minister Ballem said. “The Island has long been recognized as a remarkably clean province and, frankly, I’m not certain that would have been the case if not for the WI’s tireless efforts over the years.”
This year’s WI roadside cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, May 12. Volunteers can pick up litter bags at all Access PEI sites, as well as Island Waste Management Corporation facilities across the province, including all Waste Watch Drop-Off Centres, the East Prince Waste Management Facility in Wellington and Greenisle (Superior Sanitation) in Charlottetown. Bags can also be picked up at the Research Station in Charlottetown, Stratford Community Office and Kensington Potato Services.
“We are very proud of the positive impact the Women’s Institute roadside cleanup has had over the years,” said Doreen Cole, the environment representative on the WI’s board of directors. “It’s amazing what can be accomplished when people work together. In fact, last year 57.5 tonnes of litter were collected from Island roadsides.”
In a perfect world, Minister Ballem said, people wouldn’t litter and there would be no need to collect trash from Island roadsides. Until that time arrives, he said, he is grateful for the work of the WI and all Islanders who support them every year.