A community litter cleanup programme in Toronto has diverted tens of thousands of pieces of waste from Lake Ontario.

Love Your Lakes is an annual programme, organised by non-profit A Greener Future, that runs throughout the spring and summer along the shores of Lake Ontario. The initiative was one of a number of community projects to receive funding from the 2023 Microsoft Toronto Community Challenge, run by ChangeX.

“With good weather, more people head to our parks and beaches to enjoy the lake, which we love. Unfortunately, with more visitors also comes an increase in litter entering our precious Lake Ontario,” said Rochelle Byrne, executive director of A Greener Future.

According to Byrne, more than 500 volunteers took part in the 2023 programme, over the course of almost 40 cleanup events. “We prevented over 150,000 pieces of litter from entering the lake,” she said, adding that cigarette butts, food wrappers and plastic pieces accounted for the bulk of the waste.

 

“These litter cleanup events offer an opportunity for local community members to take part in environmental action, meet like-minded individuals, have meaningful conversations about the environment, and learn about the pollution problem we’re facing within the Great Lakes region.”

Supporting communities across Toronto

Funding from the 2023 Toronto Community Challenge supported 12 projects across the city of Toronto and York region, impacting more than 2,000 people so far. The projects spanned a number of themes: environmental sustainability, community prosperity, and digital skills.

With support from the fund, Unionville Alliance Church Community Garden in Markham expanded their garden, adding ten new planting beds. According to the organisation’s executive director Januja Jeyarajah, about 65 people took part across the two volunteer events they hosted last summer.

“We harvested 110kg of produce. The produce we harvested went to the Markham Food Bank and Master’s Pantry, which helps low-income families in Markham,” Jeyarajah said.

The group has plans to further develop the community garden, including the addition of a berry garden. 

Additional funding for 2024

There’s more funding available this year to support non-profit organisations across the city of Toronto and York region.

The 2024 Microsoft Toronto Community Fund is now accepting applications, with funding of up to CAD$6,000 per project available.

This year, communities will be able to choose from a portfolio of proven ideas that have already had a positive impact in other communities around the world, or apply for funding to start or expand a new project. 

Find out more and apply.