Manitoba’s green commuters take on a challenge!
11 a.m., Wednesday, May 29th
Manitoba Hydro Building (Outdoor Plaza on Graham Ave)
Join the Honourable Jim Rondeau, Minister of Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs; Stefano Grande, Executive Director of the Downtown Winnipeg Biz; Lloyd Kuczek, Vice President of Customer Care and Energy Conservation, Manitoba Hydro; Commuter Challenge participant Maureen Peniuk; along with Ace Burpee and Green Action Centre, as we celebrate a better way to get to work.
The Commuter Challenge takes place this year June 2-8. In 2012, over 6,000 Manitobans used transit, walked, cycled, carpooled, telecommuted or used other forms of green commuting in this annual national, friendly competition. Participants who use active and green transportation during the week are eligible to win great prizes!
Says Randall McQuaker, Green Action Centre Executive Director, “We know that some people who try out a new way of getting to work during Challenge Week will continue to choose environmentally-friendly commuting during the rest of the year. Good for them, and good for their health and the environment!”
“Winnipeggers have always shown great spirit in the annual Commuter Challenge,” notes Mayor Sam Katz. “It’s a terrific opportunity to make a move towards sustainable transportation by either carpooling, using transit, or exploring active transportation options to get to and from work or school.”
Jim Rondeau, Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs Minister is an avid cyclist. “As Minister for Healthy Living, I am proud to represent the province in this year’s Commuter Challenge,” says Rondeau. “Last year we logged 600,000 ‘green’ kilometres and saved 100,000 kgs of greenhouse gas emissions. This year, I challenge each Manitoban to get active, have fun and do their part for our environment.”
Last year, Winnipeg, Thompson and Wabowden all claimed Gold, holding the highest percentage of participation across Canada in their respective population categories. For Winnipeg, it was our ninth win in the last 10 years, and Manitoba had the highest rate of participation amongst all the provinces!
Green Action Centre is your hub for all Commuter Challenge activity. Manitobans can visit GreenActionCentre.ca to register and log their green km during Commuter Challenge week.
Sponsors of the 2013 Commuter Challenge include: The Government of Manitoba, The City of Winnipeg, Winnipeg Transit, Manitoba Hydro, Investors Group, Great West Life, Manitoba Public Insurance, Assiniboine Credit Union, Metro Winnipeg, Tire Stewardship Manitoba, Carpool.ca, Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP and Manitoba Chambers of Commerce.
In the spirit of the Challenge, we encourage everyone to join us by cycling, walking, running or carpooling to the Media Launch.
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CONTACT:
Amanda Kinden, Commuter Challenge Coordinator
