Huge Success For Ealing's Litter Volunteer Group
LAGER Can receives a Queen's Award for voluntary service
Some members of LAGER
at Northala Hills Earth Day Recycling Challenge
Ealing's volunteer litter group, LAGER Can, which has had one its busiest years, has been officially recognised and received a top award.
The Litter Action Group for Ealing Residents, announced today that it has won a Queen's Award for Voluntary Service 2021. This honour is described as the equivalent of an MBE for voluntary groups.
Keith Freegard and members of LAGER can. Picture: Paul James
Keith Freegard, founded LAGER Can in 2017 and the group has grown to more than 1600 members, he said, 'I founded LAGER Can primarily in response to the local litter problem when I was living in Hanwell. I never dreamed that four years later the group would be honoured in this way. It's a great achievement!'
LAGER Can was nominated for a QAVS by Ealing Council's Senior Park Ranger, Vanessa Hampton, who said, 'I'm delighted that LAGER Can and their incredible work have been recognised by this prestigious award. They have such a positive impact: helping to keep Ealing clean and building a network of great people who care about the world they live in.'
Cathy Swift
LAGER Can Administrator, Cathy Swift, said, 'We were delighted by our nomination for the award. At the time of our assessment last November LAGER Can had 875 members. We now have more than 1,600 members, and in the first quarter of 2021 we spent 4,600 volunteer-hours filling the equivalent of 10,900 bags of rubbish, recyclables and large items. Members of LAGER Can tell us that they feel their physical and mental health have been improved by spending time outdoors with like-minded people, improving our environment, and making new friends. Who knew litter picking could be so enjoyable!'
LAGER Can members are supported by nine local representatives in different parts of the Borough. Under the leadership of Northolt representative Grazina (Gracie) Muzikeviciene many large, derelict sites including the White Hart and Target Roundabouts, the Dog Rose Ramble, Islip Manor Meadows, Kittiwake Road and the A40 slip roads have been relieved of many tonnes of rubbish by an enthusiastic team.
LAGER Can is supervising 43 of Duke of Edinburgh Award student litter pickers from 14 schools in the Borough, and works with schools, scouts, cubs and local companies to support their litter picking activities. LAGER Can is supported by Ealing Council's Parks and Street Services, and by its cleansing contractor, Greener Ealing Ltd.
LAGER Can's Earth Day Recycling Challenge aims to raise £5,000 by filling a bag of recyclables for each member by the closing date, 3rd July 2021. Donate here.
The group will also be marking Keep Britain Tidy's Great British Spring Clean, 28th May to 13th June, with its Great Big Southall Clean-up. During the fortnight LAGER Can aims to litter pick every residential street in Southall that is not litter picked daily by Greener Ealing Ltd.
Find LAGER Can on Facebook, @CanLager on Twitter @lagercanealing on Instagram
Annemarie Flanagan
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2nd June 2021
