So, about eight years ago, she co-created an initiative with the modest goal of collecting 10 tonnes of trash along the shorelines of the river and seaway. Collecting huge piles of trash feels both good and bad at the same time, Morissette said in a phone interview. The sights they see aren’t always encouraging, she said, and prove that Quebec isn’t immune to the ecological challenges the planet is facing. On the other hand, she’s encouraged by all the volunteers who give their time to cleaning up shorelines. According to Mission 1000 tonnes’ website, the organization has collected some 749 tonnes of trash over the years (Morissette estimates it slightly higher), and are nearing their goal.