MEDIA RELEASE

Aquatera Bottle Donation Program Celebrates Giving Milestone

January 24, 2017

GRANDE PRAIRIE – Aquatera is celebrating 12 years of community support with monthly donations to non-profits exceeding $750,000 to date.

In 2004 Aquatera kicked off its community Bottle Donation Program by donating $600 to a local charity every month. The program offers residents and businesses the opportunity to clear out their bottles and cans for donation to local, non-profit, youth based organizations.

The organizations chosen as recipients to the program are located within Aquatera’s service area, all supporting or providing programming for disadvantaged or at-risk youth.

“There’s been a definite positive impact on the environment,” said Aquatera CEO, Bernd Manz. “But it’s the stories we hear about how the funds have directly made an impact in the lives of the ones in need that really make this a success.”

Manz adds that the community response over the years has been overwhelming, and that the program has exceeded all expectations. To date, there have been 78 youth based organizations supported through this program.

The Big Toy Box, organized by Big Country 93.1FM, was the recipient of over $2,700 for the month of June in 2016. This program collects toy donations for over 15 local groups and schools throughout the Peace Country to lend a helping hand over the holiday season.

Ashley Simigan, Sales Representative for Big Country, says “The Aquatera Bottle Donation Program has made a big impact on our Big Toy Box campaign. The extra funds allow us to purchase more gifts, which helps more organizations in our community.”

The Clairmont Participarent Society, who works hand in hand with the Clairmont Community School, was also a recipient in the Bottle Donation Program and received $2,730 for the month of September. This program raises money to help support programs and activities the students participate in.

Tina Elford of the society says, “Money raised has helped build and develop playgrounds, funded band trips, enables sports teams to play with no fees and purchase jerseys and equipment. We have supplied the school with audio and visual equipment for the gymnasium, as well as many other projects and activities. The donation we received from the Aquatera Bottle Donation Program will help us to ensure that the students of Clairmont Community School can continue to do these activities with little or no cost to them.”

Residents who are interested in providing support through this program can simply drop off their bottles and cans in the donation bins located at Aquatera’s Eco Centre and Landfill, as well as both Recycle Plus bottle depots.

For more information about the program, and how to participate, please visit http://bit.ly/2g9TS4D.

- 30 -

Aquatera Utilities Inc. is the Grande Prairie region’s provider of water, wastewater and solid waste services. Its core purpose is helping grow healthy communities and aims to have the best people providing the best service for the best value.

Contact
Stacey Kruger, Communications Specialist
Aquatera Utilities Inc.
P: 780.402.6060
C: 587.297.5039