Wednesday 1 September 2004

Volunteers needed for city spring clean

The city’s annual spring clean is on again this month and organisers are calling for volunteers to help make the city sparkle.

Coordinated locally by the Christchurch City Council, the clean up is part of the international Clean Up the World event being held nationwide from Monday 13 until Sunday 19 September.

As in previous years, the success of the weeklong event relies on community support and involvement. Individuals, groups, schools and businesses in the city are called upon to take responsibility for a site in their area and clean it up.

Christchurch City Council Clean Up the World co-ordinator Nicola Martin says the groups that have so far registered reflect the range of clean up jobs that need doing around the city.

“We’ve got more than 60 groups registered for clean-ups, which is close to 4000 people. People have also called and suggested sites that need cleaning up. There are opportunities for interested groups to join in an event that is already organised, or pick a site and arrange their own clean-up.

“Groups will be cleaning up parks, schools, waterways and carparks. Why not get your workmates together and clean up a site near your workplace? Some events are an hour long, others a day and some are organised for the entire week. Every little bit helps,” she says.

The City Council is supplying gloves and bags and Hire a Hubby will be helping to remove the rubbish collected.

A major site chosen for an organised clean up this year is McLeans Island. It is being held on Saturday 18 September from 10am – 2pm and everyone is welcome.

Nicola says that people can arrive or leave at anytime. “Just come to the registration area which will be signposted from Johns Road. We have a big area that we would like to cover so the more hands the better.”

The global Clean Up the World campaign mobilises millions of volunteers in more than 100 countries to undertake a wide range of environmental issues. First held in 1993, Clean Up The World aims to reduce the 650 billion tonnes of waste produced by the world’s cities each year. The long-term goal is to reduce waste by changing attitudes and behaviour.

ENDS

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