THUNDER BAY - The familiar sight of fluorescent vests will flood the streets this month in an effort to clean up the city.
For the 23rd year, Spring Up to Clean Up is encouraging residents and businesses to beautify the city by volunteering to pick up garbage.
Although Wednesday’s weather didn’t exactly feel like spring, roughly 50 volunteers suited up at Bay Village Coffee to clean up the Bay and Algoma district.
“The city is really unique when it comes to volunteerism,” said Mayor Bill Mauro who attended the launch.
During the month of May, EcoSuperior Spring Up to Clean Up program sees roughly 10,000 volunteers across the city and in surrounding municipalities.
“What we’re seeing now is more neighbourhoods and workplaces taking ownerships of the kickoff and launch,” said Julia Prinselaar program co-ordinator with EcoSuperior.
“We’re encouraging businesses to take part in what’s called a 20-minute makeover,” she said. “Today in kicking off the campaign, it means taking 20 minutes out of your day to clean up around your workplace.”
Prinselaar also said generating youth involvement was a goal of this year’s campaign. Students from Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School were present to help volunteer.
“One of the staff invited us to do the garbage community,” “It’s mostly about teamwork, inspiration, and commitment. We wanted to be occupied and see how the city looks after clean up,” said Grade 10 student Jazzdon Munroe.
Scheduling of subsequent events can be found on the EcoSuperior website.
Businesses looking to become involved in the initiative can pick up a Spring Up to Clean Up kit from EcoSuperior.
