Kayaking Crusader Rallies to Rid Historic Humber Site from Tonnes of Trash Veteran Toronto Firefighter Calls for Clean-up Crew Members

TORONTO – September 2, 2014 ... Rick Crawford, an avid kayaker, Toronto firefighter and founder of 1-800 RID-OF-IT, one of Canada’s leading national rubbish removal companies, is gearing up for his fourth Humber River Clean-Up event, September 15, 2014.  As in past years, Crawford is calling for clean-up crew volunteers to step forward and help preserve this important and historic urban oasis. Past year’s events at the clean-up site revealed a provincial history plaque. Amidst tonnes of refuse and garbage (including rusted shopping carts, bottles and many unspeakable or unidentifiable objects.) The recovered artefact marks a trading post founded by Jean Baptiste Rousseaux (1758-1812) who, according to a provincial history website, was the first European to settle in the Toronto area. Rousseaux and his father served as interpreters for the Indian department and he served in Simcoe’s government until his death in 1812. (More information found at Ontarioplaques.com) “Pollution is not just impacting the delicate Humber River ecosystem, but is literally burying our history,” said Crawford. “As a local kayaker, I can’t believe the things that have ended up in the Humber River and around the shoreline. It’s a beautiful part of the city, but it really needed someone to step in and help clean it up.” There’s still time for individuals, small businesses and corporations to step in and step up as they have in past years. So far, Tiered Response has agreed to provide video and photo services, Contiki Holidays will provide social media and volunteer assistance and the Complete Paddler has signed on to assist with water-based recovery of trash items. The Humber River Clean-Up 2014 is putting out a plea for volunteers to help out on September 15, 2014 – the day of the event. “In 2008, we pulled more than one metric tonne of garbage from the river including rusted shopping carts, garbage cans, bottles, aluminum cans and a few ... unidentified objects. Last year we pulled out two tonnes of debris, this year we are working to grow the scale of the clean up by challenging other West Toronto businesses to step up and help keep this amazing resource clean, added Crawford. What:   1-800 RID-OF-IT Humber River Clean Up 2014 When:  Monday, September 15, 2014 Time:   8:30 am: Volunteers meet at rally point in parking lot, just south of Petro Canada gas station/Car Wash (North of Queensway – off of South Kingsway.)             9:30 am – 1:30pm: Clean up event About 1-800 RID-OF-IT 1-800 RID-OF-IT is not just about rubbish removal; it’s also about the environment.  The company has consistently taken a leadership role in promoting recycling of materials that would otherwise end up in landfills.  1-800 RID-OF-IT will load up, take away and recycle or dispose of items deemed too large or bulky for weekly trash service, including yard refuse, drywall, appliances, furniture and garage junk.