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Help make Red Deer green

Green Deer program runs until June 4
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There’s still time for Red Deerians to help spruce up their city by joining Green Deer 2017.

The annual city-wide cleanup campaign started April 3 and runs until June 4 focusing on cleaning litter in all outdoor areas of the city.

Cleaning parks and green spaces helps to protect these areas and the wildlife that live there, as well as create a safe environment for children, pets and people of all ages to enjoy.

Suzanne Jubb, community and program facilitator, said so far 184 groups have registered for the cleanup. Last year 193 groups participated and it would be nice to surpass that number.

The 2015 campaign saw 254 groups get involved, the most groups to date.

“They can do 15 minutes, they can do an hour, or they can do all day. It’s whatever they want,” Jubb said.

“There’s always areas in the city that need some work.”

People can find out what areas are still in need of cleanup by contacting the Green Deer program.

She said residents faced some cool weather at the start of the campaign and rain has also delayed some cleanup efforts.

“I have a bigger group that picked an area that’s rescheduled twice now. The day they pick, it’s usually a downpour. But they’re doing it. It’s nice they’re persistent.”

Another inspiring group was from Father Henri Voisin School. Students cleaned up the Clearview Ridge neighbourhood and collected 55 bags of garbage, she said.

“They did the whole area which is pretty impressive,” Jubb said.

Grade 1 teacher Gillian Hallam said it was the third year the 360 students at the elementary school cleaned up their neighbourhood.

“Sometimes as an elementary school, (students) don’t think they can make a difference. This is one of the ways we can show that they personally make a difference and that their actions do matter,” Hallam said.

She said a lot of schools just clean up their school ground, but students at Father Henri Voisin cleaned up the entire neighbourhood on April 21 because the school believes in being part of and giving back to its community.

“We’re pretty proud of being in our community and we want kids to know that they’re part of it as well.”

Green Deer volunteers are encouraged to officially become part of the Green Deer program by registering at 403-309-8411 or in person the Recreation Centre, G.H. Dawe Community Centre or Collicutt Centre. If needed, maps of areas that need cleaning will be provided and city staff will collect the bags filled with garbage.

szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com