Beach cleaning with a difference will take place this weekend when Beach Buddies comes slightly inshore to tackle one of the Island’s favourite coastal walks.
In response to reports from the public, the charity will have volunteers in action on the Marine Drive, and is hoping it will attract first-time volunteers.
“To be honest, we don’t always get a good response from the people of Douglas when we stage a beach cleaning event in their area, so this time we’re hoping that we will see some new faces joining us in tidying up the Marine Drive, just before the start of the tourist season,” said Beach Buddies.
“This is a beautiful coastal walk, and is used by hundreds, probably thousands, of dog walkers every month, so we hope that the people of Douglas will want to come along and help us.”
Beach Buddies provides all the necessary equipment, and is keen to see first-time volunteers and especially families.
“We are working to try to break the chain of people carelessly throwing rubbish in the streets, and the answer to this is to engage the younger generation from as early an age as possible to understand the damage that can be caused to wildlife by items as simple as a bottle top, a plastic bag or a fast food container.”
Sunday morning’s session starts from the Douglas end of Marine Drive at 10.30am. Volunteers can stay for a little or as long as they like. It’s not strenuous, and any heavy items are tackled by experienced Beach Buddies’ volunteers.
• Beach Buddies runs team beach cleaning sessions every weekend, usually on Sunday mornings, lasting a maximum of 90 minutes. All ages are welcome and the necessary equipment is provided by the charity, with all items removed by Beach Buddies, and recycled where possible. We are very grateful to the sponsors who make this possible. These include AFD Software, SITA, Offshore Public Relations, WDS Limited, Celton Manx, the Department of Infrastructure, The Scott Trust, Isle of Man Photos, The Elizabeth Clucas Trust, The Society for the Preservation of the Manx Countryside, Blythe Financial, Aston International, Charlie’s Mum and Dad, Zero Waste Mann, Ramsey Grammar School, Andy Kerruish, Lloyds Bank, Bobby Sadler Agricultural, Santander, Merrill Lynch, Douglas Rotary, Cains, Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, Zurich International Life, Shoprite and Juan Knight OffRoad.
• If your company would like to become part of this prestigious list please send an e-mail to find out about our sponsorship opportunities. Beach Buddies is a registered charity - No. 1158.
• Beach Buddies also runs corporate “team building days”, corporate barbecues (summer months), and hosts competitive corporate beach cleaning events.
• To register for e-mail updates on Beach Buddies or to find out about sponsorship or team building events send a message to beachbuddies@manx.net or phone 496560.
