Hundreds to help with river clean-up

Sun., Oct. 10, 2004

Rich Landers Outdoors editor

Trash busters of all ages are coming to the Spokane River next Saturday.

Volunteers from five Spokane recreation groups plus school groups and individuals are signing up to participate in the second annual river clean-up based out of High Bridge Park.

“Last year we had 224 participants who picked up three tons of garbage,” said event organizer Andy Friedlander of Recreational Equipment, Inc. “By the way sign-ups are going, we could double the number of helpers this year.”

Volunteers are asked to pre-register if possible by calling REI at 328-9900 or by e-mailing Friedlander at afriedl@rei.com.

“We’re giving out T-shirts to everyone, and we want to get the right sizes,” he said. “And we’ll have lunch for everyone, sponsored by a bunch of local restaurants and businesses.”

After checking in between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. at the park, workers will be sent out in four groups to collect both sides of the river roughly from Maple Street down to the High Bridge and West Central areas, he said.

“The city has offered to haul away all of the trash for free,” he said.

More than 30 local sponsors are contributing to the event and providing incentives such as door prizes and raffle items.

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