Join the Cleanup and Maybe Uncover History

On September 15th, 2014 we will be leading our fourth Humber River clean-up event to remove debris. Pollution has accumulated along and in the Humber River over the years and we feel it is critically important to do something about it. In past years, volunteers have removed as much as two tonnes of debris.

Can you join us? Do you know other people or businesses interested in seeing the Humber River cleaned up? Organizations such such as the Complete Paddler, Contiki Holidays, and TieredResponse are lending their support to the cause in a variety of ways. We welcome your support too.

This is just an example of the kind of debris to be found along the Humber River.

 If we band together we can clean it up and restore it to its original glory when people like those pictured below used it for travel and commerce.

 Uncovering a Bit of History

Our clean-up efforts last year led to the discovery of a historical plaque amidst the debris. The recovered plaque related to 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 can be found at Ontarioplaques.com)

You can read about we were able to accomplish last year here. So please join us if you can and see how much clean-up can be accomplished in just a few hours. Here are the details regarding time and place. If you have questions then feel free to get in touch. You can reach us at info@ridofittoronto.com or 416-RID-OF-IT (743-6348).

When: Monday, September 15, 2014

Time: 8:30 AM

Volunteers meet at the rally point in the parking lot of the Petro Canada gas station/car wash (north of Queensway - off of South Kingsway. Map below)

Coverage of our Clean up the Humber Event 2013 continues with a little insight on our owner and his family. Check out the great article on page 53.

Humber River Clean up was a HUGE SUCCESS!

Gary J. Wood / Toronto / Ontario

Our third annual Humber River Clean up was a massive success. Thanks to all our 30 volunteers who helped us clear rubbish, chemical containers, dead animals and other strange items (like a message in a bottle!) from the river. All in all, we pulled out two tonnes of solid waste, and the Humber River is one step closer to being back to its natural beauty.

We'd like to send a big thank you to our corporate sponsor The Complete Paddler for helping us out as well. We hope that next year we will have even more corporate sponsors, volunteers, and that the government of Ontario will consider offering support!


Thanks again Junk Lovers!

The 1-800-Rid-Of-It Team

Help Us Clean Up The Humber River!

Hello Junk Lovers!

Please join us for our third Humber River Clean up event on September 11 2013. From 8:30AM-1:30PM we'll be pulling out garbage from the river; in previous years we've found rusted shopping carts, garbage cans, bottles, cans and even a provincial history plaque which marks a trading post founded by Jean Baptiste Roussaeux (1758-1812)!

This event was created by President Rick Crawford, who lives in the Bloor West village and is also an avid kayaker. He decided to take action when seeing all the rubbish and junk while paddling through the area.

"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 clean it up.

We have the Complete Paddler  assisting us with water-based recovery of junk from the river, and we would love to have more individuals, small businesses or corporations to assist us as well! Volunteers are both needed and welcome and will meet in the parking lot, just south of Petro Canada gas station just North of the Queensway and off of South Kingsway at 8:30AM!

1-800 RID-OF-IT can be reached at 1-800-743-6348 or online at www.ridofittoronto.com.

Hope to see you there!