Pitch-In Day participation lower than expected
By Chris Simon

Photos by Chris Simon From the Beaver Colony to town councillors, about 2,000 local residents participated in Innisfil's annual Pitch-In Day program. Several schools and service groups participated throughout the last week, while many individuals picked-up garbage Saturday.

Despite the participation of about 2,000 residents, Innisfil's annual Pitch-In Day turnout is down from last year, says mayor Brian Jackson.

Pitch-In Day took place at several locations throughout the town on Saturday, with residents retrieving garbage, couches, television sets and even a dead animal from roadsides, parks and ditches throughout the town.

While the number of participants seems strong, many were students participating as part of school projects or fulfilling their mandated volunteer hours, said mayor Brian Jackson.

"We go out and clean-up after everyone makes a mess," he said. "This PItch-In Day has no budget, everything is donated. This is a job the town can't do on its own. Our numbers are down a bit this year, it makes us wonder what we're doing wrong."

He says the lack of interest may cause the town's Pitch- In Day Committee to discuss whether to organize the event again next year.

"As far as getting people out, we did a good job. I'm a little bit concerned with the overall numbers that seem to be declining," said Jackson. "It's a very valuable day for the municipality. We're going to evaluate how we can make it better, or if we should even continue it. It's something I wouldn't like to see taper off. It takes three hours of a person's time on a Saturday, it's really insignificant, when you think about it. But it's a phenomenal impact they make."

Although this year's figures were not available as of press time, residents collected about 18-tons of garbage during Pitch-In Day in 2007.

Despite the turnout, several groups did participate in Pitch-In clean-up efforts throughout the last week. Most Innisfil schools, local Lions clubs, the Beaver Colony, 1st Alcona Scouts, the Innisfil District Association, Lefroy Minor Hockey players and the North Simcoe ATV Club are among several groups who pledged to participate.

Nearly 20 Beavers cleaned up an Alcona park Thursday.

"This is all about community and its something we do every year," said parent Bonny McMullen. "They learn about the environment in school. The first thing (my) son Riley said was that we were going to pick-up garbage because it was bad for the environment. They're learning teamwork and stuff like that."

Others also took the opportunity to teach their children about the local environment.

"We try and keep our area clean, but we're also trying to keep the rest of the town clean as well," said Stroud resident Terry Coffin, who was cleaning up with his eight-year-old son Gavin. "Gavin is doing most of the work. (He's learning) to make sure things go in the garbage properly, and when he's walking to school, if you see something, pick it up."