The events are part of the retailer's second M&S Big Beach Clean-up, which for 2013, has been expanded to include canals and rivers. In total, the canal-based activity will see over 1,000 M&S employees heading down to their local towpath to support our work.
Simon Salem, marketing director at the Canal & River Trust, comments: “The canal network is a national treasure and a haven for many endangered and much loved species. By supporting the Trust and our waterways, the M&S Big Beach Clean-up recognises the value of the waterways for fish and other wildlife. By donating their time, M&S employees will help make a real difference to the canal that's on their doorstep.”
The M&S Big Beach Clean-up is part of M&S's Forever Fish campaign which is funded by the 5p carrier bag charge in M&S foodhalls. Since its introduction in 2008, the charge has reduced carrier bag use by 80 per cent and raised over £4 million for charity.
In 2012, the litter collected from M&S Big Beach Clean-up included fishing nets, ropes and bottle tops as well as more unusual items including a set of false teeth, half a sofa, a tenpin bowling ball, carpet and even a pink thong.
You can find out more at www.marksandspencer.com/plana and can follow the event on twitter (@marksandspencer or search #beachclean) and facebook (www.facebook.com/marksandspencer).
