Clean and Green deemed a success

Students from Msgr. O’Neil Catholic School were one of the teams that took part in Clean and Green. They tackled the Tillsonburg Soccer Park, and on the positive, didn’t find a lot of trash after the winter. A total of 36 teams took part in the initiative. (Jeff Helsdon photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

The first edition of the Clean and Green town-wide pick-up was called a success.

Town organizers identified 36 park and trail locations for clean-up that volunteer groups could tackle for garbage pick-up. Of these, 31 spots were covered, plus volunteers tackled five additional spots for clean-up for a total of 36 teams. This translated into more than 600 participants. Teams ranged from businesses and service clubs to neighbours, sports teams, schools, churches and a daycare.

There were 783 kilograms of garbage picked up by the teams.

"The response from the community was amazing,” said Adam Kannawin, manager of parks and facilities. “We were ecstatic to have six teams register on the first day, and that momentum continued throughout the event. It's clear that Tillsonburg is a proud community whose constituents don't mind rolling up their sleeves and getting involved.”

"I am incredibly proud of the success of the new Clean and Green Initiative,” said Mayor Deb Gilvesy, who pushed the concept of a town-wide clean-up. “The response from the community has been truly overwhelming. It's a testament to what we can achieve when we all pitch in.”

Plans are to hold the event again next year.

“Let's keep the momentum going by being respectful of our shared spaces, disposing of waste responsibly, and doing our part to keep our town clean,” Gilvesy said. “We can preserve what we've built together. Don't litter - let's take pride in our community and love where we live. Together, we can keep our town clean and green for everyone."