Christchurch Schools Love their Coast

More than 800 Canterbury students will descend on beaches and waterways around the region next Wednesday 8 December to show their love for the coast.

The Love your Coast movement encourages volunteers of all ages to spend a few hours cleaning up rubbish, with Christchurch’s cleanup including the Heathcote and Avon Rivers, the Estuary, New Brighton and around the coast to Allandale Reserve in Lyttelton.

The Council’s regional parks team is providing support by getting volunteers in and out of the more difficult areas to access, such as isolated beaches and rivers.

Christchurch City Council Park Ranger Rodney Chambers says this is a fantastic event that sends a great message about the importance of protecting the environment.

“It’s great when events like this come along because they encourage us to take a couple of hours out to make a positive impact on the environment in which we live and play.

“Christchurch has a number of stunning waterways and beaches, which all Cantabrians can be proud of. But they become significantly less attractive when filled with trash – we want to do something about that,” he says.

The clean up runs from 10am to 2pm and organisers are calling for all Cantabrians to show they care about their coastal environment by turning up and pitching in.

Coordinated in conjunction with Sustainable Coastlines and the Te Wai Pounamu Foundation, the event follows cleanups in Auckland and Wellington on the 6 and 7 December involving around 10,000 Kiwis. The final event will take place on the West Coast on the 9th.

Additional to the 800 students, around 150 adults will also participate in the Christchurch cleanup, but more volunteers are required.

All participants will gain free entry to the after function at 3.30pm at The Bedford, which will include performance from band A'preeshiate, guest MCs and prize giveaways.

For more information and to get involved visit wwwloveyourcoast.org.

ENDS

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