Two local clean up events planned for this weekend

It only takes 20 minutes, but it makes a huge difference. The Second Annual Halton Hills 20Minute Makeover and Sixth Annual Community Clean Up Day will take place this weekend, both in the spirit of Earth Day. The 20-Minute Makeover will be on Friday, April 21 at 2 p.m. Businesses, institutions and schools will be sending employees and students out into their neighbourhood areas to clean up litter. "We are getting business owners and institutions to send out their employees and students to take part in a blitz

cleanup," said Jane Fogal, Wards 3 and 4 Councillor and Chair of the Litter Free Halton Hills Task Force. The Litter Free Halton Hills Task Force, which is comprised of volunteers, councillors and Town staff, is enthusiastic about another year of joint effort to clean up Halton Hills. "We've had a terrific response in the past," said Fogal. "Last year's cleanup was rainy, cold and windy. But (volunteers) set aside the time and they were going to do it rain or shine." Christ the King students are showing dedication to this year's event. The students are beginning their 20-Minute Makeover tomorrow (Thursday) in case weather does not permit a cleanup on the Friday.

There are a total of nine schools participating in the event, which is more than last year. "We are very impressed with the attitude from the students we've been meeting with," said Fogal. "We don't really care what time people get out there to do it. We just want to get the place cleaned up." Encouragement to clean up Halton Hills is geared not only towards businesses, but to individuals and organizations as well. Halton Hills Sixth Annual Community Clean Up Day will follow the 20-Minute Makeover on Saturday, April 22. Volunteers will set out to clean up litter in areas that are personally significant to them. In the past, volunteers have collected "mountains" of trash from streets, parks, trails

and rural roads. The removal of litter from recreational and rural areas delivers a face-lift to Halton Hills everyone can appreciate. "I drive around after and notice a difference. It makes me proud of the people involved," said Fogal. Arrangements can be made by the Town and registered groups to have the collected litter picked up. Accumulated trash can also be dropped off at the Town Works Yard on April 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Refreshments will be provided by Tim Hortons. Businesses, organizations and individuals wishing to participate in the clean up days are encouraged to contact the town Public Works Department at 905-877-2601 ext. 2610 to register and for further information.