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NIAGARA REGION, June 11, 2010 - Though he was made a Waste Diversion Hero last year, Nicolas Berardocco of Welland will make his public debut today in front of family and friends at a special assembly taking place at his school, Holy Name School, Welland at 10 a.m.
Nicolas, the Hamm family of Vineland, Loretta Burke of Niagara Falls, and Keith Gibbons and Lorraine Nadeau - both of St. Catharines, were all made Waste Diversion Heroes last year after the Niagara Region launched its Waste Diversion Hero program.
"We launched this grass-roots campaign last year and it's really taking off," said Catherine Habermebl, associate director, Collection and Diversion Operations. "We looked to the community to nominate their friends, family or themselves and had a tremendous response. These 'heroes' take waste diversion seriously and are proud of what they have been able to accomplish. We are equally proud of them and want to share their tips and techniques with all Niagara residents. We are looking forward to welcoming more Waste Diversion Heroes this year."
The original waste diversion superheroes have been featured in print ads, on the Region's website, and in a new comic book being launched this week as part of the curriculum in both the Niagara Catholic District School Board and the District School Board of Niagara. As part of the launch, Niagara youngsters, 13 and under, are eligible to win one of 10, $100 Junior GIC's from PenFinancial Credit Union by visiting www.wdheroes.ca. In addition, PenFinancial will also waive their membership fee of $50.
"As a regionally-based financial institution that is committed to practicing and supporting community environmental stewardship and education, PenFinancial Credit Union is extremely proud to sponsor the Niagara Region's Waste Diversion Program by providing 10, $100 Junior GIC certificates to the winners of the Waste Diversion Hero contest," said Bob Watson, chief executive officer, PenFinancial Credit Union.
The Niagara Catholic District School Board is also proud of Nicolas and the Board's 'green' initiatives. "Rooted in the teachings of our faith as stewards of the earth, we are proud of our 'Green Niagara Catholic' program, which is active in all schools and Board sites across our system. Our commitment was recently demonstrated by Ontario EcoSchools certifying 100 per cent of all Niagara Catholic schools as meeting the highest standards for environmental programs. We are very proud that Holy Name Catholic student Nicholas Berardocco was selected by the Region as one of their original Waste Diversion Heroes," said John Crocco, director of Education, Niagara Catholic District School Board.
Niagara's Waste Management Division is recruiting more heroes to help in the battle against waste. If you think you, your family, your friends or your neighbours are waste diversion heroes, we want to hear from you!
Email entries to sherri.tait, submit them online or write to:
Sherri Tait
Niagara Region - Waste Management Services
2201 St. David's Road
Thorold ON L2V 4T7
Please keep submissions to a maximum of 500 words. Please note the following information is also required for your submission to be considered:
For more information contact:
Catherine Habermebl
Niagara Region
905-685-4225 ext. 3204
1-800-263-7215 ext. 3204