The recycling program is in its 28th year. It has grown from volunteers collecting of paper outdoors in November 1992 to an operation with 11 employees that recycles ten different kinds of waste.
This week we continue to honour some of the people who contributed the program's success.
Fran Gira and Dennis Whitbread volunteered in the early days at the Market Garden and continued as the program moved indoors. Fran was a member of the first Board of Directors in 1995 and served until 2007.
Fran's thoughtful participation as a board member was very valuable. She was the treasurer and kept the financial records before there was a computer program so it was a major time commitment.
I was the first paid Administrator in 1996. Carie McIntosh took over in May 1997 and held the position for four years. She guided the day to day operations with wisdom and creativity as the number of employees and volunteers grew.
Doreen Murray was hired as the Administrator in 2001 and served until she retired in 2013. There were many changes during that time.
In 2004 the Centre moved into a new building. Later, renovations were needed to accommodate electronic waste recycling and to create more space.
Managing the landfill was added to her responsibilities in 2004.
Curbside and business pickups were added to the program, then dropped when material prices fell, then started again.
Finances were challenging. Doreen kept things balanced and worked with the Board to develop a successful financial plan.
Doreen managed 5 - 11 employees and supported them in ways they greatly appreciated.
Many more have contributed to recycling's success. It is an example of what working together can accomplish.