Meet the Site Coordinators of the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup: Larry Gall

Larry Gall has been coordinating cleanups for three years and wants to impart some wisdom to all the first-time site coordinators out there. A Scout leader and the climate change advocate for the Scouts Saskatchewan Council, Larry believes in leading by example and only gets involved in initiatives that he personally believes in.
Read below for more details about him and why he loves to help his shorelines. Also, don’t forget that if you refer a friend to the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, you can win a 16 GB iPad2 with wi-fi!
Where do you live and what do you love to do there, besides the Shoreline Cleanup, of course?
I live in Regina where I love to play board games with friends, cook and cycle.
When and how did you first get involved in the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup?
I got involved in the shoreline cleanup in 2008 because of an ad in the Leader (scouting magazine)
What is your favorite thing about this initiative?
The shoreline cleanup gives the kids a tangible way to help the environment. I believe in leading by example, so I don’t expect youth to be enthused about picking litter if I am not.  I try not to get involved in things I don’t believe are worth doing.

How many people come out to your cleanup usually?
We have had between twenty and forty people attend our cleanup every year depending on the year (and the weather).
How do you encourage people in your community to get involved in cleanups?
We advertise the event to out scouts and their families (beaver scouts, cub scouts, scout scouts, venture scouts and rover scouts).
Do you have any tips for new site coordinators?
You don’t need to do it all yourself.  One person with connections can get donations of garbage bags, gloves, and any other supplies.  Bring coffee and gummy bears to reward your volunteers.
To register for the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, visit www.shorelinecleanup.ca.