While Toronto's 30th Pride Festival is sure to be one of the biggest celebrations of the summer, the event's cleanup will offer its own rewards for some local organizations.

Community Can Clean Up is an exciting new opportunity for local community groups, non-profit organizations and sports teams to raise funds by disposing of empty drink cans from Pride Toronto's beverage gardens.

"We were thinking about ways to involve community groups in Pride and partner with them in different capacities," says Ben Freeman, acting operations director for Pride Toronto. "Community Can Clean Up is not only a great way for groups to get together, but also to do something positive."

For the first time, Pride Toronto is inviting groups in the community to clean up, store and return drink cans from one of the festival's four beverage sites, and keep the funds for their organizations.

Funds raised from can returns could range from between $1,000 and $2,000 per site, says Freeman.

To apply, interested groups must complete an application form, which will be available on Pride Toronto's website at the end of February.

Groups must have at least ten members to monitor their assigned site during the garden's hours of operation, and have a means to transport the empty cans.

Freeman says he expects positive response from those looking to raise some funds for their groups, and get involved with Pride. While a number of groups have already expressed interest, applications will be assessed based on a number of qualifications.

"We need to make sure the job's done correctly and there's enough bodies," Freeman says. "And at the same time we'd like to make sure they're a group that fits well with our mission, values and mandate."

-By Chris Mejaski, Media Committee Journalist