THUNDER BAY -- Shelter House residents and staff took to the streets of Fort William on Friday, celebrating Earth Day as they beautified their neighbourhood.
Melting snow in the warming weather has begun to reveal litter left on the streets over winter. The Shelter House community saw its first-ever spring clean as an opportunity to give back.
“We want to be good community members,” said Shelter House executive director Gary Mack.
Mack explained the Shelter House has been blamed for the litter in the South Core because of takeout containers it offers to its patrons, which are often seen littered on the streets.
“I think it’s really important we are out doing this today and that we have our residents out helping. People are less likely to litter after they have done a cleanup,” Mack said.
The event became a broader effort, as employees of City Hall, Superior Points and Elevate NWO joined the Shelter House volunteers and residents in the cleanup.
Organizers were handing out garbage bags, gloves and grabbing trash pickers to ensure safety.
The Shelter House is hoping to make the spring cleanup a monthly event to help keep Thunder Bay clean.
