This Saturday, May 14, Battlefords residents will be taking to the streets and proving their stewardship as they clean up the city.
The third annual Battlefords United Way Spring Clean-Up will kick off at 1 p.m. at the North Tim Hortons parking lot. Coffee, cookies and t-shirts will be provided for volunteers, as well as a clean-up route.
The only thing participants need to bring with them is a pair of gloves, friends and family, and perhaps a smile. Poking sticks will be available.
Jane Zielke, Battlefords United Way executive director, said the initiative was started after a community report was completed in 2008 by consultant Derek Murray.
Among the concerns identified was a lack of community pride, which prompted a number of initiatives, including BridgeFest and the Spring Clean-Up.
"Last year was my first one," said Zielke, adding approximately 125 people showed up to demonstrate their community pride and volunteer.
"I'm hoping even more people will come out this year," said Zielke.
Battlefords United Way has also challenged the schools to do their part. So far, McKitrick, Holy Family, Connaught, John Paul II and St. Mary have stepped up, and will be holding their clean-up day Friday, May 13.
Monique Sommerfeld, vice-principal at St. Mary School, said their students will be cleaning up the schoolyard, as well as the surrounding neighbourhood, starting at 11 a.m., and a letter has been sent to parents inviting them to take part.
"I think it teaches them to care for and respect the environment," said Sommerfeld, adding it is also a way to give back, as United Way provides their school with a grant every year.
Bready School will also be holding a clean-up day May 27.
Although the schools are holding their clean-up days during the school week, students are also invited to take part in the Spring Clean-Up May 14, which will wrap up with a celebration barbecue and prize draws at Sobeys. The barbecue and draws are free for volunteers.
Mayor Ian Hamilton, who will be taking part in the event, said the Spring Clean-Up provides an opportunity to get out and meet people in the community, as well as instilling pride in the city.
"We certainly need it around here," he said, adding the initiative relieves the burden placed on City crews, who have a difficult time picking up all the litter accumulated over winter.
"It's a very heartening activity when people get together to improve the community," said Hamilton. "I love it."
