5 QUESTIONS WITH DAVID KUHN, City of Cornwall Acting Waste Management Supervisor, regarding the event “CORNWALL GIVES A SHIRT” taking place October 19 to 23

1. What is this event and how did it come about?

The City of Cornwall has hosted Cornwall Gives A Shirt for the last three years. We were inspired by another Ontario municipality that saw its landfill filling up unnecessarily with clothing, bedding, and shoes – items that can be given new life at thrift stores or through textile recycling.

2. What is this event in support of and does it reoccur every year?

This is an annual event that occurs during Waste Reduction Week (October 19 to 23). Not only does it help support our local thrift stores, but we are also benefitting our landfill as well, which is nearing the end of its lifecycle!

3. How does this event make this community a better place?

This community is so enthusiastic about Cornwall Gives A Shirt! This week-long (safe, socially distant) event extends the life of the landfill, a precious resource that will be full by about 2030. We’ve also seen this event bring people together – the staff and students at École Rose-des-Vents have taken on the challenge of collecting bags, and they’ve been a huge contributor to the success of Cornwall Gives A Shirt. This year we are encouraging all schools, day care centres, apartment buildings and workplaces to take part in the event. Large collections can be coordinated for collection with the Give a Shirt Team at 613-937-1777 or WM@cornwall.ca

4. What is unique about this event?

This event is so special – it makes waste reduction, reusing items, and protecting our landfill so easy and accessible. It also supports our three thrift stores, whose proceeds support non-profits in our community. Cornwall Gives A Shirt has grown every year – in 2018, we collected 5,000 pounds of clothes, and in 2019, we collected 7,100 pounds! We have high hopes for another record in 2020. We will also be allowing residents to drop off any Cornwall Gives A Shirt donations to the City of Cornwall’s Landfill site at 2590 Cornwall Centre Rd. New this year: we are also accepting well-worn clothing items that can’t be re-used. These items will be recycled! Be sure to label the bags “well worn” or “well loved.”

5. How can people participate or make this event a success?

Participating is easy! Residents can set out bags of clothes, blankets, and shoes on their regular collection day the week of October 19 to 23. They should label their bags with “Cornwall Gives A Shirt” so that City staff know to pick them up. The bags will be given to New for You, Salvation Army, and Serendipity Boutique thrift stores, where the clothes will be sold. Residents should also share information about Cornwall Gives A Shirt with their friends, family, and neighbors.

and a Bonus Question: What is the contact info for this event?

If you have questions, email wm@cornwall.ca or call 613-937-1777. Be sure to check out www.Cornwall.ca/waste as well!