Heal the Bay and Ford Team Up on Beach Cleanups

Heal the Bay has teamed up with Ford Motor Co. to recruit volunteers for a summer-long series of beach cleanup events with a chance to win a new eco-friendly Ford vehicle.

The "Nothin' But Sand" campaign started May 21 at Dockweiler State Beach and drew about 300 volunteers who completed a test drive, said Anne Bergman of Heal the Bay. Volunteers who take part in the cleanup and test drive a Ford vehicle earn a $50 donation from Ford to support Heal the Bay's cleanup programs.

As part of Ford's "Drive One 4UR Beach" campaign, test drivers become eligible to win one lucky "virtual" key at each cleanup that could potentially start the winning vehicle at the final cleanup event on Sept. 17. In addition, Ford and 98.7 FM radio are hosting exclusive parties at Hotel Erwin in Venice and volunteers are eligible to win exclusive VIP access to the rooftop lounge on June 26, July 31 and Aug. 28.

The next cleanup will take place at Will Rogers State Beach on June 18, followed by a Playa del Rey cleanup July 16 and another cleanup at Will Rogers State Beach on Aug. 20.

“Cleanups are a great way to take direct action to improve the health of our local environment,” said Meredith McCarthy, Heal the Bay’s programs director. “Volunteers can leave with a good feeling about the ocean, not to mention a good chance to win a new car.”
Things to know:
•    Test drives start at 9 a.m.; cleanups will begin at 10 a.m.
•    Volunteers must be 12 years old or accompanied by a parent.
•    Test drivers must be 18 years old with a valid driver’s license. Bring your valid driver’s license with you to the beach cleanups.
•    Bags and gloves will be provided. However, to help cut down on the number of bags Heal the Bay uses for its cleanups, bring a bucket or bag from home.

In 20 years of beach and inland cleanups, volunteers for Heal the Bay have collected more than 1 million pounds of trash.