Boys’ Brigade clean up Parkanaur Forest Park

MEMBERS from Castlecaulfield Boys’ Brigade recently joined up with staff from the McDonald’s restaurant in Dunganon for a litter clean-up around Parkanaur Forest Park.

The event formed part of a McDonald’s campaign aimed at tackling litter in parks, on paths and along roadsides in towns and cities across Northern Ireland.

The ‘30 Parks in 30 Days’ campaign saw McDonald’s employees undertake more than 30 local litter clean-ups in parks and nature areas throughout the 30 days of June.

Led by the eight local franchisees across McDonald’s estate of 34 restaurants in the North, they were supported by a range of local community groups, elected representatives and football clubs – including Castlecaulfield Boys’ Brigade.

Nicola Finlay, franchisee of the McDonald’s Dungannon restaurant, said, “Our annual ‘30 Parks in 30 Days’ campaign reinforces McDonald’s strong commitment to tackling litter issues right across the UK and Ireland.

“Like our customers and stakeholders, we are always deeply disappointed to see people acting irresponsibly when it comes to littering. We want to play a leading role in sparking a change in behaviour towards what can only be described as a scourge on our environment.

“Across the UK and Ireland, our employees walk over 5,000 miles every week picking up all waste – our packaging and that of other retailers – by the sides of roads, in parks and on paths. This is further enhanced through proactive partnerships with local community groups, such as Castlecaulfield Boys’ Brigade, to keep our area clean and litter free by carrying out regular litter picks.”

Shirley Gilkinson, First Leader of Castlecaulfield Boys’ Brigade, welcomed the opportunity to partner with McDonald’s to tackle litter in the wider Dungannon area.

She said, “We were delighted to be a part of the McDonald’s community litter pick up. Our members really enjoyed themselves and showed a good understanding of the issues.

“We now hope to see all our members pass on the message that everyone should be encouraged to pick up litter when they see it.”