Blog  June 29, 2012

Volunteers are doing some good and getting some awesome across Canada

Molson Canadian Red Leaf Project volunteers in Stanhope, PEI (Photo: Akasha Allen)

By Akasha Allen, National Program Coordinator

“I’ve never planted a tree before!” “I grew up in this area and have never been to this park!” “I wish I could do this again!”

I’ve heard a lot of great reactions so far but those three are my favourite! Said by volunteers participating in the Molson Canadian Red Leaf Project events across Canada, they always put a huge smile on my face. Whether we were creating a pollinator park in Moncton, NB, or doing a litter clean up in Brantford, ON, the volunteer reaction was always the same: THIS IS AWESOME! Which is what the project is all about––doing some good and getting some awesome. That awesome comes in the form of concert tickets to some of the best music festivals in the country. But the awesome part for me comes from being able to engage with volunteers all across Canada.

With just over one quarter of the 100 park projects completed so far, I’ve had the chance to meet some great people. From planting trees in London, ON, as part of the Reforest London’s One Million Tree Challenge to working with the South Saskatchewan Mountain Bike Club in Regina stewarding Wascana Trails Provincial Recreation Area, volunteers have been full of positive energy! From the band of brothers in Oakville, ON, to the three best friends in Stanhope, PEI, it is inspiring to see so many Canadians come out to learn and work in their local parks and neighbourhoods.

The passion of the volunteers I’ve yet to meet keeps me excited and ready to go for the next 75 events. We’re touching down in Vancouver, Squamish, Regina, Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Stanhope, and all over Ontario every week until September 15. Doing everything from litter clean ups in Toronto’s downtown parks to working in conservation areas in Calgary, volunteers will have a great experience getting their hands dirty in their backyards. I hope you’re all signed up and ready to go because I can’t wait to meet you!

The Molson Canadian Red Leaf Project is an initiative designed to positively impact the Canadian environment in communities from coast to coast, with the support of Evergreen. From May 27 to September 15, 100 volunteer-based community park projects will take place in towns and cities across Canada. Register for an event in your community today at Facebook.com/MolsonCanadian!