Pick up and Walk coordinators are expecting around 1650 volunteers to participate at the 13th annual Pick up and Walk clean-up event in Steinbach, taking place Saturday, May 5, 2018. “The numbers have gone up every year and we are hoping for another record number of volunteers this year,” explains Grace Hiebert, organizer of the event and one of the pastors from Steinbach’s Southland Church. “It is incredible to see over 1600 people of all ages picking up over nine tons of garbage in just three hours and all in a city of only 15,000 people. I encourage every city and town in Canada to organize a day each year to join together to get some exercise and clean up their community.” The event is organized through 21 Steinbach Churches with a church leader recruiting volunteers in his or her church.
Rene Martens, the Pick up and Walk Coordinator for the Steinbach Mennonite Brethren Church, explains why he and his family volunteer to pick up garbage each year. “Our family looks forward to Pick Up and Walk every year and we wouldn’t want to miss out on the fun! For us it has always been important to get our kids involved in community events like this at a young age and to show them the value of contributing towards a common goal. I enjoy being the “go-to-guy” for our church and it’s great to see the camaraderie between our participants and the groups from the other churches and the community. Overall, I just feel the entire event is a win-win for everyone involved.”
Last year, over 1600 people picked up 9.49 tons of garbage along city streets, ditches, parks and along all main highways leading into the city, saving the city approximately $45,000. Volunteers include those picking up garbage, truck drivers who pick up filled bags along the routes, and those who prepare and serve the free barbecue lunch for all participants. Many local businesses donate funds to cover expenses or supply food for the barbeque.
To get involved in the event, sign up at your local Steinbach church or come to the T.G Smith Arena in Steinbach on Saturday, May 5th at 9am. Everyone is welcome to participate. Steinbach’s Mayor Chris Goertzen will be kicking off the event and from there, volunteers will be dispatched in groups of 6-10 and will be supplied with maps, routes, sterile gloves, and garbage bags. People are encouraged to wear rubber boots, your bright yellow safety t-shirt from last year, and to dress for the weather. A thank you, complimentary barbeque lunch will be provided at the arena at noon.
