Abbey Collings and Jessie Cuthbert want to let the community know how much “Our Local Water Rocks.”
The Erin Public School grade 6 students were at council on May 20 with Andrea Cuthbert and Kathryn Dykstra on behalf of Erin Water Rockers to raise awareness for the Blue W Program.
The pair stated their class was called the Water Rockers this year because of its exciting water project. They noted this project has given the class some amazing opportunities.
Students have done a lot of research this year about world water issues. As a result, the class came up with two main goals:
– to get the school and the local community to use reusable water bottles every day; and
– to get everyone to appreciate how lucky they are to have the local water supply.
Thus, students came up with the slogan “Erin: Our Local Water Rocks!”
Thanks to downtown Erin store owners, water bottles can be found all over the community, they said. The class has already sold 200 water bottles, with plans to sell more in the future.
The class convinced every single downtown store and business to agree to be part of the Blue W water conservation program this year.
Anyone interested can look for the “Blue W” stickers on the windows and doors. The pair stated that when customers go into a store with a Blue W symbol, if they are carrying a reusable water bottle, the store can fill it up with local tap water for free – and they can also get a discount on coffee or tea if it’s sold there.
The class is looking to not only have the program in downtown Erin, but expanded to all of the stores and businesses in the Erin community.
They are also looking for help to remind businesses to officially register on the bluew.org website.
“We have a saying at our school: Be the change in the world … one drop of water at a time,” the students said.
“If we all do our part, then hopefully in another 50 or 100 years people will be still be saying, Erin: Our Local Water Rocks!”
Mayor Lou Maieron was impressed that the students had stepped up to the environmental challenge.
“The planet is changing considerably and every little bit helps. It’s wonderful that you’ve come up with this,” said Maieron. He added he intended to take the bottle to the next meeting of Wellington County council.
Councillor Josie Wintersinger asked what got the students involved.
Students said it was a great program to get involved in.
Councillor John Brennan said, “The great teachers and great students are two enormous assets for the community. Hats off to the enormous achievement of getting 100% of the downtown business to participate. It’s a fabulous result.”
He added council will see what it can do to help the students get the word out.
“Congratulations and well done,” said Brennan.
Councillor Barb Tocher quipped this was one of the most pleasant presentations to council in a long time.
“Not only does Erin’s water rock, but you ladies rock, as well as your grade 6 class.”
Councillor Deb Callaghan offered an invitation to students to expand their role even further.
Even though Erin’s Rhythm and Ribs celebrations in downtown Erin is not until August, Callaghan said if the class was interested, the Optimist Club would set up a table for students to sell more bottles.
