Pickering, ON, April 14, 2010 - It is almost time for the 6^th annual 20-Minute Pickering Makeover. Pick up free gloves and special litterbags at various locations throughout Pickering.

WHO:          Pickering residents, schools, community groups, businesses and City staff

WHAT:        20-Minute Pickering Makeover

WHERE:    Across the City

WHEN:       Friday, April 23^rd at 2:00pm

Join fellow residents, schools, community groups, and businesses across the City that are rolling up their sleeves to give Pickering a 20-Minute Makeover by cleaning up litter in the community; or pick a time that better suits your schedule. It's a great way to kick off Pickering Earth Week.

"City staff have started picking up the litter that accumulated over the winter but there is quite a bit to do,” said Michelle Pongracz, Coordinator, Environmental Awareness Programs. "It is encouraging that our community rallies around this event and pitches in. Each year we have thousands of people register to participate and 2010 is shaping up to be no different.”

"The 20-Minute Makeover is the perfect spring event as it beautifies our city; instills civic pride; promotes physical activity; and most importantly, raises awareness of the problem of littering,” said Mayor David Ryan. "Our ultimate goal is to eventually stop holding this event. Through ongoing educational efforts, we hope that people will make a conscious decision not to litter.”

It's easy to participate, reuse a plastic bag from home or pick up gloves and large litterbags from all participating Pizza Pizza locations throughout Pickering. Supplies are also available at Pickering City Hall, the Pickering Recreation Complex and all branches of the Pickering Library.

Groups are encouraged to register for the 20-Minute Pickering Makeover by calling the Customer Care Centre at 905.683.7575 TTY 905.420.1739. This enables City staff to deliver clean up supplies and haul away any litter you collected.

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As the gateway to the east GTA, Pickering (population 94,000) is strategically located where Toronto, York and Durham Regions meet and has been recognized by Profit magazine as one of the ten best cities in Canada for growth companies. Pickering's downtown has been named by the Province of Ontario as an Urban Growth Centre and future Mobility Hub. The City of Pickering is considered a municipal leader in fiscal management, service delivery, sustainability and the environment. In 2008, it received the FCM-CH2M Hill Sustainable Community Planning Award. With its direct access to major highways, educated and skilled labour force, prime employment lands, a world class EN3 (energy/environmental/engineering) sector, and supportive municipal government, Pickering offers unrivalled competitive advantages for business.