October’s Awesome Ottawa award goes to Marianne Ariganello to support pumpkin rescue in the days after Halloween.

A project of the Ottawa South Eco Action Network (OSEAN), Pumpkins for the Planet collects and rescues carved and intact pumpkins from across Ottawa South in early November.

“With the help of a lot of wonderful volunteers and local companies,” explains Marianne, “we donate carved pumpkins to local farms – where they are given as feed to animals – and intact pumpkins to local groups tackling food insecurity – where they become part of nutritious meals for clients.”

“Neighbours can choose to drop off pumpkins at their closest local collection spots on volunteers’ driveways or front yards, or drop off pumpkins at our central ‘Pumpkin Alley’ where they can be admired one last time,” she continues.

Last year, Pumpkins for the Planet re-homed more than 1,900 carved pumpkins to nine local farms, and rescued more than 330 intact pumpkins and distributed them to eight food organizations. There were 17 collection sites across three city wards, and more than 20 volunteers.

Want to volunteer, or own a business with a truck or trailer that can help transport pumpkins? You can connect with Marianne through OSEAN’s website.

Marianne is a scientist, mother, and environmental advocate.