With the help of recycling sponsor Poland Spring, the Dempsey Challenge was able to reduce its environmental impact and contribute a significant amount of food to those in need.
Over $1 million in fundraising, 3,834 participants and more than 600 volunteers were not the only big numbers reported for this year’s Dempsey Challenge, a two-day run, walk and cycling fundraiser held Oct. 8-9 in Lewiston, Maine: recycling and composting volumes were also impressive.
“We take recycling seriously,” said event coordinator Julia Harper. “When we bring thousands of people to our community we want to be responsible about our environmental impact. We’re thankful to have the support of Poland Spring to build a great recycling program.” For the second year, Poland Spring was the official water and proud sponsor of the Dempsey Challenge Recycling Program. “Because Poland Spring uses a renewable natural resource that relies on a clean environment, we’re continually striving to lighten our footprint. We were proud to be the recycling sponsor for the Dempsey Challenge again this year to help ensure that our bottles and other recyclable materials could have a second life,” said Heather McBean, Poland Spring’s Education and Outreach Manager.
One ton of cardboard and 3,700 bottles and cans were recycled, along with 500 old running shoes donated by participants that will be transformed into new playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts via the Nike Reuse-A-Shoe program. Local food pantries and soup kitchens accepted 2.5 pallets of donated non-perishable and raw food. One ton of food waste, including 2,000 lobster shells, became compost for Valley View Farm in Auburn. “It’s a really beautiful thing when we can divert this much organic waste from the landfill and also contribute to the success of our local food economy,” said Harper.
Other measures taken to make the event more environmentally friendly included bike valet parking and a new partnership with Brunswick, Maine-based apparel vendor, Atayne, which produces running and cycling jerseys made solely from recycled plastic bottles. In addition to Poland Spring, strong recycling supporters also include Central Maine Medical Center, the Maine State Planning Office and over 60 Green Team volunteers.
The fourth annual Dempsey Challenge presented by Amgen is scheduled for Oct. 13 and 14. A $10 registration discount is available for a limited time. The event offers a 5K and 10K run/walk on Saturday, Oct. 13 and cycling distances of 10, 25, 50, 70, or 100 miles on Sunday, Oct. 14. Registration is available through the event website at www.demspeychallenge.org. For more information about how to become involved in the Dempsey Challenge recycling plans, or for questions, suggestions or feedback, please email harperju@cmhc.org.
