The weather on Wednesday, 20 February was perfect to launch the College's community services efforts for 2019 when over 200 Members participated in our "Love the Leith" project.
College Members assembled on the steps on the banks of the river across from the University's Clocktower Building at 9.30 am for a briefing by Andrew Whiley, the President of the Rotary Club of Dunedin South under whose auspices the clean-up took place.
Aided by some Rotary and Rotaract volunteers who acted as co-ordinators, College Members took off in a number of groups to various parts of the river and its banks to begin the clean-up.
As those who know, or have visited, Dunedin, the Water of Leith is a wonderful feature of the Dunedin and the University. The College felt very privileged to assist in its clean-up, as can be seen by the accompanying photos.
Rubbish collected included a submerged Lime scooter, a large and heavy metal scaffolding platform, chairs, timber, a supermarket trolley, someone's driver's licence, a rusted rifle scope, beer bottles, cans, plastic and paper. Any recyclable items were separated while the remainder went into a large skip which had been arranged by Mr Whiley who is also a Dunedin City Councillor.
When the Master attempted to scan and ride the rescued Lime scooter, the message displayed on his Lime app read: "Sorry, this vehicle is currently under maintenance." Yeah right!
And in today's (21 February) Otago Daily Times, the College's community service efforts were featured including a lovely photograph. Click here to read the article.
P.S. The Otago Regional Council (ORC) has produced a beautiful short video (approximately two minutes) about the Leith entitled "A love letter from the Leith". It can be viewed on Youtube by clicking here. It's well worth looking at.
(Story by the Master, Dr Charles Tustin)
