Thousands of volunteers from hundreds of organizations will be out to spruce up Alberta roads this Saturday during the Annual Alberta Highway Cleanup.  

The cleanup happens each year on the first or second Saturday in May and was established as a fundraiser for community organizations in the province, and to help clean up provincial highway rights-of-way.  

Last year, according to Alberta Transportation spokesman Bob McManus, the provincial government paid non-profit groups nearly $1 million.  

"Last year it was $974,000 to 622 different volunteer organizations and just over 14,000 volunteers in all."  Those volunteers helped clean up more than 12,600 kilometers of Alberta roadways.  

McManus said all kinds of groups are participating this year.  

"Oh we have everything from church groups to 4-H clubs, scouts, girl guides, schools, rotary clubs, sports teams, you name it."  

A number of Airdrie and area groups will take part in this years event, including several scouting groups, a number of LDS Church Youth Groups, the Golden Rod 4-H Multi Club , Central Beiseker 4-H Club, the Irricana Country Riders 4-H Club and Volunteer Airdrie.  

Organizations earn between $55 and $100 per kilometer with the higher amounts going to groups cleaning highways closer to urban centres which tend to have more trash in their ditches.  

With so many young people prowling area highways, safety is paramount, according to McManus who has this advice for motorists.  

"Make sure you pay attention. You'll see them in the ditches, they'll be wearing coloured clothing so they can be easily seen. Slow down, maybe wave, and don't be a distracted drive under any circumstances."

Volunteers have all attended a safety training program.  The clean up can take place anytime between 7 am and 5 pm.