Helping out the Humber

CYNTHIA REASON

August 28, 2008

West Toronto companies listen up: local firefighter and businessman Rick Crawford is issuing a challenge for help in his quest to clean up the Humber River.

"Last year we pulled more than one metric tonne of garbage from the river including four rusted shopping carts, garbage cans, bottles, cans and a few...unidentified objects," Crawford, the owner of 1-800-RID-OF-IT, said. "This year we are working to grow the scale of the clean-up by challenging other West Toronto businesses to step up to the plate and help keep this amazing resource clean."

As part owner of a rubbish removal company, Crawford and his crew are in a unique position to head up the event - they already have the trucks, equipment and know-how. Now all they need are a few more sets of hands to make the second annual event a success.

The idea for the cleanup came to Crawford last year, as he was out paddling by the Old Mill. When he had to swerve to avoid the massive accumulations of garbage and debris in the river, he decided to take action.

"As a local kayaker, I can't believe the things that have ended up in the Humber River. It's a beautiful part of the city, but it really needed someone to step in and clean it up," he said, noting the mink, beaver, blue heron, fox, deer and white egrets that make up the hidden wildlife habitat in or near the river.

The clean-up will kick-off at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 3, with volunteers asked to meet at a rally point at the parking lot just south of gas station on South Kingsway, just north of the Queensway. The clean-up itself will run from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. All are welcome to join in. Starbucks has donated coffee and danishes.

Businesses interested in either pitching in physically or donating water or refreshments are asked to contact Crawford at 416-533-4448 or via email at rcrawford@ridofit.com