Sanctuary spruce-up cancelled after Buddhist volunteers catch colds

Improvements to the Harvey Moore Wildlife Centrewere put on hold Sunday after many of the Buddhists who were volunteering their help came down with colds.

P.E.I.'s Southeast Environmental Association had organized the event in Milltown Crossas part of this year's World Environment Day celebrations.

Visiting P.E.I.

They had planned to do some planting, trail maintenance, and make some flower boxes.

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About 400 Buddhists are on the Island on a spiritual retreat and had volunteered to help out. But Ian Petrie of Southeast Environmental Association said many of the visitors caught colds.

A lot of them are elderly," he said. "Organizers didn't want them getting wet and cold."

Community building

The environmental association has been working to improve the sanctuary site over the course of the last few years.

Jackie Bourgeois, the executive director for the environmental association, said these types of events are important to get people in the community out and interested in the environment.

Another group of Buddhists is coming later this month, and Petrie said it's possible another event could take place then.

World Environment Day is on Monday.

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