Post by Dan on Sept 5, 2007 12:32:14 GMT -5
Robert Burciul calls on anglers in Queenston to help him with a cleanup of the sand docks. This is a popular destination for "slob anglers" not to be confused with "all other anglers". Robert and his Father walked and cleaned litter here on a regular basis. They also were in the "all other angler's" category and didn't want to see this section of private property closed to the public for fishing due to the mess.
So Robert, who has a small roadside worm and tackle business, started marking his worm containers with "DO NOT LITTER" in bold lettering. It wasn't long before he started finding his containers discarded around his fishing hole. Although Robert's efforts returned no rewards or results he remained optimistic that he could create change and started plan two.
With the help of his Parents, Robert arranged a cleanup. They contacted the Niagara Parks and asked what they could do to help. The Parks donated some garbage bags and agreed on a date and to pick up the litter and dispose of it for him. Robert then attracted the media and Niagara This Week sent a reporter down who not only covered the story but also dawned a pair of gloves and helped clean up.
I was so impressed with Roberts efforts and awareness of the environment that I approached the local environmental organizations in Fort Erie where I reside, and encouraged them to recognize Robert for his action. They responded with the certificate above. It was important to us to let Robert know that although only a handful of people came to help, he was heard! People did read the story and were touched. He did make them think and his message did not simply blow off into the wind with the litter!
Next stop in my home Town of Fort Erie (cover).
On the front page of the local rag "Fort Erie Times" a picture of a girl loading a garbage bag which was held by her Grandmother. Both were wearing their bicycle helmets and the headline read "Not your average summer activity". Grandma "Jackie McGrath" had no problem helping her Granddaughter "Madison Wiebe" fuel her passion for the environment by cleaning up their local neighbourhood. Had it stayed that way I'm sure they would have cleaned up the entire Town and as of September 4th, they had jointly filled 68 garbage bags full of litter from the streets and surrounding landscape.
Madison is nine years old and lives along the Upper Niagara River and is well aware of the impact this litter has on birds, fish and wildlife. The duo stated they were doing this to encourage others to do the same. Well it worked and with the media exposure they recieved it has encouraged others Madison's age to follow suit.
"I commend you for your efforts" said Stephen Passero, President of the Ontario Shorewalk Association. "I live in that neighbourhood and I've seen you pass by my home collecting garbage. It was like seeing celebrities". Connie Charron, President of the Fort Erie Conservation Club gave each of the new community hero's a certificate of recognition and we all applauded. Then Madison and her Grandmother dropped the bomb.
Madison wasn't done yet. She then showed us her newest addition to her campaign. The following poster describes her mission and the serious look on her face says it all. With the help of her Grandfather they have created posters to place in mailboxes along their route. This is the educational factor. When you see your actions canceled out by ignorance you respond by educating.
What you can't see in the picture due to the flash is the friends that have joined Madison in her quest. Already she has topped my own efforts to educate and recruit new members into the world of environmental activism. This is something I have tried hard day in and out to do, yet I am shown up by a nine year old girl. With all the time (years) I have spent trying to promote, educate and incite activism I have been taught the secret of success by a little girl. ACTION SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS!
So where is the rest of this generation? Unfortunately the Times often features stories of vandalism. I have witnessed other kids Madison's and Robert's age spray painting the neighbourhood at two in the morning and stories of kids burning down playgrounds have recently been covered. I emailed the editor and advised him that featuring graffiti tags on the front page only encourages similar behavior. I only hope this is the case in Madison's situation.
Dan Andrews