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Green Deer 2017 kicks off

Residents urged to particpate and keep Red Deer green.
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Joanne Beaverbones of The City of Red Deer Cultural Services, explains the Cigarette Butt Awareness program to Amanda deBoer, and the pocket ashtrays that are being distributed as a way to combat cigarette butt litter.

Green Deer 2017 kicked off on Monday with about 100 volunteers on hand, ready to keep Red Deer green at a community barbecue at Parkland Mall.

Amanda deBoer signed up a team from the Red Deer office of the Canadian Red Cross.

“In past years we registered individually but this year we registered a team,” said deBoer. It’s a great program; it’s so easy to get involved with.”

Volunteers for the program were assigned or claimed an area for clean up before being educated about local programs such as safe sharps and needles disposal and the Cigarette Butt Awareness program.

The program, which utilizes the energy and caring of the people within the community, will run until June 4.

First time volunteer Lorrain Maberg and her grandson Xavier Hartman, will be tackling the West Park area.

“I saw it in the paper and figured it would be great for him and I to do together,” said Maberg.

Hartman was still psyching himself up as the pair collected their garbage bags, which have been donated by TD Friends of the Environment Foundation are provided at facilities throughout the duration of Green Deer campaign.

“I think it’ll be fun but I think I better bring gloves,” he said.

Suzanne Jubb, the city’s Community and Program facilitator, said in a news release the Green Deer campaign is about beautifying our city and using the positive actions of the majority to cancel out the careless actions of the few who littered over the winter months.

Those wanting to participate in the Green Deer program can register in person, by calling 403-309-8411, or visiting the Recreation Centre, G.H. Dawe Community Centre or Collicutt Centre. Every group registered is automatically entered into a draw to win a barbecue and a barbecue event.

A toolkit is available on the city’s website for groups wishing to issue clean up challenges to other community groups. More information can be found at reddeer.ca/greendeer.