In terms of success, The Highway of Heroes Spring Clean was one.
But in terms of the amount of garbage collected people who travel along Canada’s busiest highway still aren’t getting the message about keeping their litter in their vehicle until they can dispose of it properly.
Silver Cross mothers, soldiers, veterans, civilians, first responders and politicians came from all parts of Ontario to help with the Spring Clean.
Kingston resident Kerri Tadeu freely admits she was unaware of the service and sacrifice of the Canadian military until her good friend Major Michelle Knight-Mendes was carried home from Afghanistan in 2009.
Since then Tadeu has committed herself to affecting change and creating a legacy in memory of Knight-Mendes.
Tadeu, retired Master Cpl. Collin Fitzgerald and Cpl. Nick Kerr adopted the entire stretch of the 344 km (172 km each way) of the Highway of Heroes from Trenton to Toronto and working with the Ministry of Transportation they clean each one of the on and off ramps of the highway.
This years Spring Clean over $90 was donated to MADD Canada from the money found along the highway which brings total to $850.
Over 250 bags of garbage were collected bringing the total for the third year to 1,250 bags of garbage.
Kerri Tadeu
Now that we’re in the third year, we can’t help but think about the environmental impact that the garbage is not entering our waterways, it’s not polluting our environment. So even though are initiative to adopt the Highway of Heroes is routed 5% garbage and 95% mental health the 5% is actually a huge percent of what we’re doing environmentally.
People have traveled hundreds of kilometres to clean the Highway of Heroes as a way to give back to those that have served and the families. We have very strong veteran community participating in our Highway of Heroes adoption.
As we get closer to the anniversary of Major Michelle Knight-Mendes death on April 23, this is the tenth anniversary and it just solidifies more and more why I’m out here bringing families of the fallen together, military veterans and first responders together to honour all that gave some and some that gave all. It’s especially important to spend time with Michelle’s mom to let her know Michelle shined very, very bright in life and to continue to create a legacy in her honour and to affect change and hopefully save lives and improve the lives of those that gave so much for our country.
Private Emile Morissette from CFB Kingston
As soon as his Captain asked who wanted to help clean the Highway of Heroes, Morissette said, “sign me up.”
“It feels good to help clean up the environment and it’s to remember our fallen brothers from Afghanistan who came back along the highway when they were repatriated and it’s very good to know we can clean those sacred lands in their memory.”
Silver Cross mother Anna Loveman whose son was killed in a training accident at CFB Petawawa in 2014.
“Making sure the Highway of Heroes is honoured, Michelle is honoured and the other soldiers. I just want to do my bit and help out.”
Cramahe Township Mayor Mandy Martin
“I’m a strong believer in honouring our veterans. The Highway of Heroes is our patch. This is where we honour our fallen and it’s very important to me.”
“It’s unfortunate that people use highways to drop their trash mindlessly. It wouldn’t hurt you to get rid of the coffee cup whenever you arrive somewhere. Stop desecrating where we live.
It’s wonderful that people help to clean the highway. We care. That’s what I think people need to know.
MPP David Piccini
I think it’s amazing engaging veterans, Silver Cross mothers and making a tangible difference.
I never thought I’d see so much (garbage) along the highway. It’s unbelievable.
What’s really worrying is to see the numbers of alcohol containers. People are drinking and driving and that’s very dangerous. It breaks your heart to see that, but it’s good to see so many people come together.
MPP David Piccini at Wesleyville eastbound on-ramp
This is disgusting. The number of pee bottles and to think how many of us are cleaning up other peoples feces. It’s gross. And something has to be done here at Wesleyville.
We’ve talked as a government about litter and waste reduction strategy and this is sad really because this is our community and it seems like Wesleyville is the dumping ground of the 401.
Northumberland OPP Inspector Brian O’Halloran
I think it’s very important to keep our communities clean, but also to help our veterans. They suffer, not only our military veterans, but our Ontario Provincial Police veterans. Our suicide rate among first responders is high and I think this gives them the ability to come out in the fresh air and not think about they need to think about it.
It’s very hard constantly bending over picking up the garbage. You’d be surprised what people throw it, sometimes people just aren’t considerate to the environment.
I was shocked at how many liquor bottles, beer bottles, miniature liquor bottles along the side of the road and if they’re on the side of the road that means they are drinking on our highways.
I think it’s totally amazing to be out here. I was talking to a gentleman who came all the way from Montreal to help out. Next year, I’m going to try and get more of my officers out because I think this is a great cause not only for military, but for first responders and it’s great exercise.
Paula McDermid from Cornwall
I’m here because it matters to do something about the garbage in general. It’s heartbreaking, it’s absolutely heartbreaking the amount of garbage. It’s pure laziness. We shouldn’t be polluting at all and on top of it, on top of such a significant road where we should be remembering and honouring our veterans. The fact that I’m cleaning up garbage for people who have sacrificed their lives for us in a country that is beautiful and free is absolutely heartbreaking.
McDermid travelled just under four hours to clean the highway and said, “it was unquestionably worth it and I’d do it again and as I was driving I was thinking about this is the least I can do for my country.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
