On April 22, I was having lunch with a good friend when we remembered that it was Earth Day.
We decided it was a good day to go to a favourite part of the beautiful Centennial Trail near her house to pick up some of the garbage that was littered about.
With proper latex gloves and garbage bags in hand we set out and soon found no shortage of garbage strewn about along the trail, including some discarded needles. Although disturbing to see firsthand signs of drug addiction and the dangers it creates in our communities, it was not shocking. We picked up the needles much like you would broken glass, placed them in a safe container and continued on down the trail.
I commend the local resident who is seen in the April 25 story "Discarded needles found on path" and his genuine concerns for the safety of other trail users.
I also understand the potential dangers in handling discarded needles, but to see them and for 10 days to spend your time and energy notifying the city, the RCMP and then the media when nothing is done about it and have someone from the local paper come along with you to get a picture of you, hands in pockets, staring at the needles speaks a thousand words.
It makes me wonder why neither of you weren't willing to roll up your sleeves, put on the proper protection and, with precaution, take action? It seems more and more uncommon to find people who are willing to take action without special permission or some kind of registered organization supporting some sort of cause or fundraiser.
If you see an opportunity to help, just do it. If no one sees you or posts a picture of you doing your good deed, even better!
To Mr. Roberts, please don't take my opinion the wrong way, I mean no disrespect and I fully appreciate and support good people like you who care enough to get involved trying to help make the community a safer place to live. I don't know you or the various circumstances of the situation, but I do know your heart is in the right place.
Let's hope the discarded needles are finally removed and safely disposed of and this helps start a conversation about community outreach and how we can reduce drug use and addiction in our wonderful community.
Corey Bonnar
Prince George
