More than 700 pounds of litter and harmful debris were collected by 400 Cox Communications employees during a community cleanup in Mission Bay in partnership with nonprofit I Love A Clean San Diego.
Former San Diego Padres all-star pitcher Andy Ashby and San Diego City Councilmember Jennifer Campbell were on hand to help kick off the cleanup on Friday.
In conjunction with the cleanup, Cox Charities presented $25,000 to I Love A Clean San Diego for its classroom education programs that teach students about ocean conservation, the effects of marine debris, waste reduction, and the importance of proper recycling in an effort to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
Each year, Cox Communications holds community cleanups to prevent harmful waste from reaching San Diego’s bay and beaches and impacting marine wildlife — and to keep open spaces clean for everyone to enjoy. Last year, Cox employees collected 593 pounds of waste in Mission Bay’s De Anza Cove.
“Our employees care about our community and they were ready to get out here and clear all the harmful debris that threatens the health and beauty of Mission Bay,” said Chanelle Hawken, vice president of government and public affairs.
“I Love A Clean San Diego shares our mission of protecting the environment through conservation, waste reduction and public education, and our employees were proud to present them with a $25,000 grant from Cox Charities to educate local students on how to be good environmental stewards,” she added.
Cox Communications, the major broadband company in the United States, is the largest division of Cox Enterprises, a family-owned business founded in 1898 by Ohio Gov. James M. Cox.
