Oakville Community Centre for Peace, Ecology and Human Rights (OCCPEHR)
P.O. Box 52007, Oakville, ON L6J 7N5
(905) 849-5501, info@oakvillepeacecentre.org, oakvillepeacecentre.org
We asked Site Coordinators to respond to two questions and here are their replies, Ward by Ward.
The first question asked them was why they are so involved in the Clean Up.
The second question wanted to know what they have learned about their community while being a Site Coordinator.
Let’s read their responses to the questions, Ward by Ward.
WARD ONE
“I am involved in the Earth Day Clean Up as a Site Coordinator because:
~ I care deeply about environmental stewardship and cleaning up my community!
(Rishona Vemulapalli, Donovan Bailey Park)
~ I care about the planet and litter is my pet peeve!
(Emillie Kraft, Riocan Creek)
~ I care about the environment and want to leave the earth in a better place for my kids!
(Mahsa Yazdani, Westbrook Park)
~ I care about the environment and nature and raising awareness about climate change!
(Colton Smith, Westbrook Park)
~ I value the green space access in Oakville and use it on a daily basis!
(Sue Dane, Valleyridge Park)
~ I think Earth Day is a wonderful day to reflect upon the wonders of nature and the healing that being outdoors brings! And last year, I met a bunch of cool, caring, committed neighbours!
(Judy Gast, Valleyridge Park)
WARD TWO
“I am involved in the Earth Day Clean Up as a Site Coordinator because:
~ I am carrying on a legacy for a dear friend who was very involved in the area!
(Cathy Buchanan, Aldercrest Park and Taplow Creek)
~ Local action creates real impacts and the Clean Up shows the power accomplished by many together volunteering in Oakville to make a big difference!
(Seema Nambiar, Coronation Park)
~ I want to protect my planet as it is the only place to live!
(Monisha, Coronation Park)
~ Because my group was looking to do more community outreach and this activity was my idea!
(Sue Kronenfeld, Glen Oak Creek Trail South)
~ I have been going for as many years as my parents have been Site Coordinators at this location and now I am taking it over!
(Dave Weise, Hopedale Park)
~ I have been doing this for decades as part of the South Peel Naturalists Club’s community work and mandate! And personally because if I don’t do it, no one will!
(Donna Sheppard, Indian Ridge Trail)
~ I love nature and enjoy the connection between our Catholic Scouts group and taking care of creation!
(David Kantor, Nottinghill Park)
~ I believe we need to model deep care and stewardship of the land for our children; we heal in community and so does the Earth!
(Kalli MacKeen, Old Abbeywood Park)
~ I care about my neighbours including the people, animals and plants that call it home!
(Joe Williams, West River for Forster and Hogs Back Parks)
~ I love being in nature with friends and family as well as cleaning up our natural environment!
(Tracey Ehl, Woodhaven and Sedgewick Parks)
WARD THREE
“I am involved in the Earth Day Clean Up as a Site Coordinator because:
~ I am proud of what Charterability does on the dock for the people of Oakville and having it look clean is important!
(Linda Kennedy, Busby Park)
~ I want to make Oakville a better place!
(Steve Firth, Busby Park)
~ I love this planet which can heal us if we let it breathe! This land is your land, this land is my land, let’s protect it forever!
(Monica Malhotra, Cornwall Road at Perkins Passage)
~ I think that this Clean Up of Oakville nature sites is a worthy cause!
(Rick Little, Dunvegan and Ardleigh Parks)
~ It’s a great community event that also keeps our community beautiful!
(David Bird, Gairloch Gardens)
~ I care deeply about my community and the spaces we share to learn and play!
(Preeya Nayee, Lakeside Park and Oakville Museum)
~ I believe in the education and promotion of our being stewards of our community!
(Martin Wigle, Linbrook School)
~ I believe a clean, litter-free community is a healthier community!
(Elizabeth Chalmers, Maple Grove Park and Joshua Valley Park)
~ I believe a tidy neighbourhood encourages and creates civic pride thereby establishing a virtuous circle!
(Douglas McKirgan, Wallace Park and George’s Square)
WARD FOUR
“I am involved in the Earth Day Clean Up as a Site Coordinator because:
~ I love this activity!
(Stephen Wei, Bloomfield Park)
~ I wish to keep my home beautiful and clean! The earth provides us with so many things that it’s only right to show her some love!
(Yiding Liu, Heritage Way Park)
~ I am deeply connected to the beauty, peace and expansiveness of the trails in our city! I wish to give back by keeping the trails clean!
(Valerie Ojha, Sixteen Mile Creek Trails at Rotherglen School)
WARD FIVE
“I am involved in the Earth Day Clean Up as a Site Coordinator because:
~ I love the green earth!
(Gita Zoghi, Memorial Park on Hays Boulevard)
~ I love the Earth and want it to be a clean and beautiful place!
(Joanna Hamara, Neyagawa Park)
~ I want to become involved in a hands-on event dedicated to restoring the beauty and health of our local nature sites! Let’s come together and show Oakville how much we care – one piece of litter at a time!
(Swati Ettrick, Oxford Park)
WARD SIX
“I am involved in the Earth Day Clean Up as a Site Coordinator because:
~ The Earth Day Clean Up volunteers clean up our community in a way that could never be duplicated! And it saves the Town thousands of dollars every year!
(Councillor and Regional Councillor Tom Adams, Algrove Park)
~ Many helping hands make a huge difference!
(Pauline Gyorkos, Valleybrook Park)
~ I love seeing Oakville clean for us and for the wildlife with which we share this land!
(Karla Cabrera, Valleybrook Park)
WARD SEVEN
“I am involved in the Earth Day Clean Up as a Site Coordinator because:
~ I believe that every small change begins with us!
(Mamta Rosha, Isaac Park)
~ I care about our parks and we want clean parks for our family! Community stewardship is integral to our faith!
(Daniyal Kashif, Lions Valley Park)
~ I believe in volunteering and community service!
(Arpit Mittal, Palermo Park)
And now, let’s read their responses to the second question, Ward by Ward:
WARD ONE
“I have learned a lot about my community while being a Site Coordinator including that:
~ It is important to help your Town out by cleaning up! It is also important to inspire people to clean up!
(Colton Smith, Westbrook Park)
~ Instilling conservation in children early fosters children who are environmentally aware in teen and adult years, creating custodians of nature in the future!
(Sue Dane, Valleyridge Park)
~ People care and want to teach their children to care about the earth!
(Judy Gast, Valleyridge Park)
WARD TWO
“I have learned a lot about my community while being a Site Coordinator including that:
~ Lots of people care about our mother earth and community earth day volunteering!
(Seema Nambiar, Coronation Park)
~ Keeping the environment clean is everyone’s responsibility! When we as a team clean up and pick up litter we come to know the impact of waste on the environment!
(Monisha, Coronation Park)
~ Sometimes people really feel tied to the particular town and area where they live!
(Sue Kronenfeld, Glen Oak Creek Trail South)
~ Based on the wide range of ages of our volunteers, it is evident that taking care of the beautiful nature of our Town is close to the hearts of people of all ages!
(David Kantor, Nottinghill Park)
~ Everyone wants to be a helper! Kids and families just need the opportunities and tools to show up in ways that work for them!
(Kalli MacKeen, Old Abbeywood Park)
~ If we don’t address litter and pollution on an on-going basis, we will have a problem that grows and grows!
(Joe Williams, West River for Forster and Hogs Back Parks)
~ Over the years, people have become more conscious about the environment and more people pitch-in on a day to day basis making our one-a-year clean up light!
(Tracey Ehl, Woodhaven and Sedgewick Parks)
WARD THREE
“I have learned a lot about my community while being a Site Coordinator including that:
~ I have learned that people are always willing to help out those in need! It is so heartwarming!
(Linda Kennedy, Busby Park)
~ People are willing to help if asked to assist a good cause!
(Steve Firth, Busby Park)
~ When we are given a purpose, everyone steps up! Also, there is a real love for our town amongst our community and we all want to keep it beautiful! Sometimes people just need a leader to direct and then the team assembles!
(Monica Malhotra, Cornwall Road at Perkins Passage)
~ People really care about our town!
(David Bird, Gairloch Gardens)
~ Collaborating with the community is key to making community, building relationships and moving forward with our common goals!
(Preeya Nayee, Lakeside Park and Oakville Museum)
~ We all have a role to play in taking care of the environment!
(Martin Wigle, Linbrook School)
~ Residents want to contribute to bettering the community in which they live!
(Elizabeth Chalmers, Maple Grove Park and Joshua Valley Park)
WARD FOUR
“I have learned a lot about my community while being a Site Coordinator including that:
~ Everyone loves this town and community and are more than willing to help out and keep it beautiful given the opportunity to!
(Yiding Liu, Heritage Way Park)
WARD FIVE
“I have learned a lot about my community while being a Site Coordinator including that:
~ Lots of young people love to help!
(Gita Zoghi, Memorial Park on Hays Boulevard)
~ People who come to the Clean Up love nature!
(Joanna Hamara, Neyagawa Park)
~ This is more than a clean-up; It’s a chance to connect with neighbours, enjoy fresh spring air and protect the natural spaces that make Oakville special!
(Swati Ettrick, Oxford Park)
~ Unfortunately, people will always continue to litter, sadly!
(Stephane Dagenais, Sheridan College and Treetop Estates)
WARD SIX
“I have learned a lot about my community while being a Site Coordinator including that:
~ There are a lot of good people who care for the environment!
(Karla Cabrera, Valleybrook Park)
WARD SEVEN
“I have learned a lot about my community while being a Site Coordinator including that:
~ Our community takes Earth Day seriously and make a strong participation effort!
(Daniel Kashif, Lions Valley Park)
~ I never knew about the garbage that people dump and was surprised. How can they do this? Maybe Halton Waste should not charge people when they come to dispose waste at the dump site in Milton!
(Arpit Mittal, Palermo Park)
~ The event brings people together and encourages a shared sense of responsibility for our community spaces, inspiring positive habits such as recycling, reducing waste and avoiding littering!
(Mukhnaam Kaur, Preserve Woods Park)
Thanks again Earth Day Clean Up Site Coordinators for pitching-in for the 35th annual Earth Day Clean Up of Oakville Nature Sites!
Stephen Dankowich, Executive Director, for the Oakville Community Centre for Peace, Ecology and Human Rights