“Beer Run” Cleans Up The Environment and Profitable for Hamilton Township Man

In Local

A Hamilton Township man has taken on a new meaning for the term “beer run.”

But for 38-year-old Ian McKelvey the beer run is about going for a daily jog ranging from four kilometres to 12 kilometres per day and picking up empty alcohol that have been tossed in the ditch.

McKelvey has lived in Hamilton Township with his family for three years and for the last five months has been jogging around his neighbourhood on area roads like Dale Road, Ontario Street, Racetrack Road and Cornish Hollow Road.

A total of 1,036 empty beer cans along with numerous alcohol bottles, coolers, and wine bottles.

“I try to grab garbage too, but usually my hands are so full with empties.”

What’s so disappointing is not only the number of people obviously drinking and driving, but the consistency of finding the same brand in the same area.

“If I go running on Dale Road, I’ll find a lot of Busch cans, and Bud Light cans. If I go up Cornish Hollow I’ll find a lot of Sleeman 2.0. And always the same cans in the same place so it’s definitely the same people.”

“It’s concerning knowing there is so much drinking and driving going on.”

McKelvey said he’s also for the help he’s had along the way.

“I’m pretty fortunate some people will come out of their houses and give me larger bags because they see that I’m struggling with how much I’m carrying on the run.”

On Thursday, February 29, 2024, McKelvey collected on the empty cans and bottles and brought them to The Beer Store in Cobourg.

After returning all the cans and bottles, McKelvey walked out of The Beer Store with $112.50 for his efforts in cleaning up the environment.

Ironically, while waiting in line, he spoke to two other people who were also returning empties they had collected in walks along the roadway – though their efforts weren’t as profiting as McKelvey’s who said if anyone spots him running along the road way, give him a honk and a wave.

Pete Fisher
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

Join Our Newsletter!

Want to keep up to date on news and events in Northumberland? Subscribe to newsletter!

You may also read!

Pop-Up Music at the Wesleyville Schoolhouse — Wednesday evenings in June and July

Rediscover the simple joy of summer evenings spent outdoors with friends, enjoying live music in the open air. Bring

Read More...

St. Mary Student Gets Full Hockey Scholarship

By Cecilia Nasmith/Today's Northumberland Following graduation day at St. Mary Secondary School next week, boom! Sophie Harold is outta here

Read More...

Video – Cobourg Police “Knocking It Out Of The Park” But Chief Says He Won’t Be Attending Town Hall Meeting

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEssw7AkXLo With the Safer Streets Act kicking in on June 6, Cobourg Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf said, “they are really

Read More...

Mobile Sliding Menu