First of many donations for Rivers

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Published on Sunday, September 17, 2017

By Sheila Runions

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Earlier this year (Jan. 13) Municipal Waste Management Environmental (MWM) began collecting garbage and recycling in Rivers, Wheatland and Chimo. It was reported then that the company “supports the local economy,” said general manager Tim Oliver. “We’re not just going to pick carts and leave, we want to be involved in the community. We have a counter in the truck and every container we tip, five cents goes into the charity pot. A nickel doesn’t sound like a lot, but it adds up to say $300 every six months, all of which we give back to local groups, whether they are food banks or water parks.”

It was unknown at that time how often donations would be granted, though readers were informed that applications (found at mwmltd.ca/donations.html) must be filed with MWM in order to be considered. In the first nine months of business here, they have tipped 5,169 bins into their truck. When one knows that every tip means a donation to our community, that should encourage users to move their recycling or garbage bins out every Friday, even if there is minimal waste inside.

The first MWM donation to this community was made on Tuesday, Sept. 12 by sales manager Shawn Samels. He presented a $258.45 cheque to Rivers & Area Community Foundation president Donna Morken. MWM began operating in Souris 22 years ago and has expanded to the extent that a second office was established in Morden. They provide collection services to 13 municipalities in southern Manitoba, so donations to various community projects throughout those years have been substantial.