This year, Grimsby Town Foundation’s Premier League Kicks Social Action Project was aimed at addressing environmental concerns surrounding the River Freshney, a river in Grimsby, North-East Lincolnshire, UK.
The project involved participants from our Premier League Kicks Centre 4 session in Nunsthorpe coming together and taking part and giving them environmental awareness, and hands-on activities to improve the cleanliness and ecological health of the river.
The main goal was to remove waste and pollution from the River Freshney to enhance the local environment, but to also educate these young people on why it is important to keep our rivers clean and what impact waste has on the environment.
Overall, the River Freshney Cleanup was a successful social action project that made a tangible difference to the local environment while fostering community engagement and environmental awareness.
We couldn’t have done this without The Canoe River Cleaner and really appreciate the help and support he gave the Foundation with this project.
The Canoe River Cleaner Story (James)
Since the pandemic saw an end to my employment as a car sales manager, I took the opportunity to forge a career in something I was passionate about; cleaning and maintaining our beautiful river that runs from the Lincolnshire Wolds, through the heart of our town, and out into the Humber.
I help improve the health of The River Freshney and do my best to prevent plastic pollution by removing plastic and other rubbish from the river (with help from the local community and sponsors) before it can break down to micro particles and affect wildlife and human health by preventing it from finding its way into our oceans.
I also run educational programmes to encourage youngsters to grow up respecting nature and help adults reconnect with the natural world.
My endeavours are now on a sustainable footing thanks to the support of local companies such as Myenergi and Blackrow Engineering as well as the wider community.
I believe in education through inspiration and, as such, work hard on social media to highlight the importance of looking after our environment.
I’m fortunate to have a loyal following of nearly 6000 local supporters that engage with my posts consistently.
I also have a good relationship with the local media and radio stations with my projects being regularly featured.
Throughout the working week, I have two well-attended volunteer days and also children and adults’ nature walks.
On top of this, I run a community interest company that specialises in wellbeing activities, and currently, my walking group operates every Monday evening and sees on average 60 participants on each walk.
I also work with schools and local groups such as scouts and sea cadets and recently I worked with the Tape To Tape event organisers and orchestrated the recycling station.
I have received various awards from River Restoration national champion through to the Radio Humberside Environmental award. The notoriety and respect acquired from the community now sees me give talks and present awards.
The highlight of my mission so far is appearing on the One Show. This shone a positive light on our town and its watercourse, and is something I’m incredibly proud of.
If you would like to support The Canoe River Cleaner, please click here or scan the QR code below.
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