I am a local site coordinator or would like to become one; what are my responsibilities?
- Attend our coordinators info/orientation meeting (in person or virtual) on Wednesday, April 3rd, 5:30-7 p.m. at the Watershed Conservation Centre at Fanshawe Conservation Area (registration details will be provided)
- Promote the cleanup in your community through posters, social media and word of mouth
- Allow your contact information to be posted on the website for volunteers to reach you
- Provide information to be included on the website, such as location and time of your clean up
- Order supplies for your volunteers. Once you know how many volunteers are coming you can order gloves, garbage bags and registration forms from Mountain Equipment Company. You may not know exact numbers; feel free to estimate as unused can be returned (MEC’s #519-668-6657)
- Before the day of the cleanup (day or two before), scout the cleanup area to familiarize yourself with the area and assess any challenges or risks
- Before the day of the clean up (day or two before), pick up supplies from MEC (Mountain Equipment Company – 1051 Wellington Rd. London)
- On day of the cleanup, liaison with area supervisors and community partners (if necessary)
- On day of cleanup, meet your volunteers at the location to register for the canoe draw, go over safety rules, and distribute supplies
- Determine a location for piled garbage that can be accessed by municipal trucks
- Relay the locations of garbage bags to our admins, so we can get them picked up asap. London admin: julie.tervrugt@gmail.com (519-636-4348) / Surrounding area admin: td.sleeper@hotmail.com
- Sign the student volunteer form for community service hours
- Return completed and unused canoe ballots to Nova Craft Canoe (471 Nightingale Ave, London)
- Unused cleaning supplies (gloves, bags, etc.) can be dropped off at MEC OR at Julie’s home @ 402 Regal Drive, London
How do I get involved in the Thames River Clean Up?
Click on How Can I Help? and scroll to the contact person in the area or community in which you want to volunteer. Tell your contact person you would like to help clean up the Thames River or tributary so that they will have enough supplies for everyone. Ask them what time and where is everyone meeting?
What if I want to form a group and clean up a New section of the Thames River or tributary?
Great! That is how we expand the “Adopt a River” concept.
Email Todd Sleeper at td.sleeper@hotmail.com for more info.
Can I qualify for Community Service Hours?
Yes! Your hours of Community Service can be endorsed/ verified by your community contact person.
Where can I get supplies?
Mountain Equipment Company (MEC) , 1051 Wellington Road, London, ON.
* Please click on their link for directions. Call 519-668-6657 for orders more than 10 volunteers.
** or you can email melanie.sandwith@mec.ca
What will I need to bring?
Dress for the weather. The weather in April is unpredictable. Check your local forecast before heading out. You may need sun screen or long underwear. Wear proper footwear, work gloves will be supplied to you. A snack and beverage is a good idea. Bring along a camera to take before, during and after photos. Photos will be posted on the website with the volunteer’s permission. Bring your friends & family to help the environment and preserve our Canadian Heritage River for future generations.
What tools may be helpful?
A pail and garbage grabber is very useful. A broken hockey stick or long pole with a hook on the end will allow you to reach over the banks and up into trees. A wheel barrel will help move the garbage and debris (that you have collected) to a convenient location for the municipality to pick up.
What is the difference between the London Clean & Green and Thames River Clean Up?
The Thames River Clean Up is focused on the Thames River and all the tributaries. The Thames River Clean Up is organized in 17 communities in the watershed. Over 1500 volunteers cleaned up 200 km of our Thames River last year. We do not have an online registration as to protect our community service hour’s creditability.
London Clean & Green cleans up litter and garbage along sidewalks and boulevards across the city, in the downtown area and in many parks that may not be on the Thames or tributary. However some of the parks do follow the water and volunteers may participate in both when they clean up in those parks.
What to do with the Garbage and Debris?
Most of the municipalities are picking up the garbage collected by our volunteers. Work with your municipality or Parks Dept. to find out what is the best way to ensure the garbage isn’t left in an area that’s impossible to be picked up. Tell someone in charge.
Where do I get a registration form?
You can get a registration form here or from your community contact person. Please read all the safety precautions, fill out the form and sign it. If you are under 18 years old you must have it signed by your parent or guardian. The registration form is also your ballot to win the Nova Craft Canoe.
Where do I take my registration form to ensure I’m in the draw to Win the Nova Craft Canoe?
You can leave your registration form with your community contact person or drop it off at Nova Craft Canoe.
You can also drop it off, mail it or fax it to:
The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority
1424 Clarke Rd.,
London, Ont. N5V 5B9
Fax # 519-451-1188
OR, you can drop it off at Julie’s house @ 402 Regal Drive, London
When will the Nova Craft Canoe be drawn?
The Nova Craft Canoe will be drawn on May 6th @4pm, 2024! The extra time is to allow for ballots to be mailed in and to avoid that unpredictable April weather.