Exciting volunteer news! The Green Team Charity Can Drive raised $21,214.20 from recycling empty cans last year.
During the course of Ottawa Bluesfest, we have a dedicated group of volunteers called "The Green Team" who gather cans throughout the site and ensure that the festival is as environmentally friendly as possible. Once the festival ends, the cans are counted and used to raise funds for multiple worthy causes. These efforts were completed by about 207 volunteers who collected approximately 210,000 cans.
Our Volunteer/Community Engagement Manager, her Assistant, as well as some members of the Green Team will be presenting cheques to our home charity Blues In The Schools and the following list of charitable programs:
- Somerset West Community Health Centre (after-school programs) -> Somerset West has multiple child and youth programs for ages ranging from infants, to children ages 5-12 years old. Their after school program provides physical activity, homework help, and health & wellness for kids in grade school.
- Makonsag Aboriginal Head Start -> Makonsag provides a culturally-enriched preschool environment that fosters early learning and enhances pride through education to ensure that Aboriginal children and their families have positive lifelong experiences as members of Aboriginal communities. Last year, the funds went to building a permanent gazebo, a much-needed outdoor, sheltered space for their infants to play outside year-round. This year, they are excited to add field trips to their plan with the can drive funds.
- Shelter Movers -> Shelter Movers is a national, volunteer-powered charitable organization providing moving and storage services at no cost to individuals and families fleeing abuse. The money will help Urgent Exits, Escorted Moves & Resettlements.
~ A big shout-out to our Green Team for their dedication and hard work. We appreciate you! Thanks for helping us do good things! ~
Interested in being a part of the Green Team? Check out volunteers.ottawabluesfest.ca