The 15th annual Pick up and Walk community clean-up event, scheduled for May 2nd, has been cancelled by organizers due to the ongoing threat of the COVID-19 virus.
“During these days of unprecedented concern and the importance of helping to keep people safe, we have had to cancel the event,” said event organizer Grace Hiebert. “The Pick up and Walk event typically draws over 2,000 volunteers and it would be impossible to hold back people from meeting in groups as this event is all about groups serving together.”
The Pick up and Walk involves volunteers from over 25 churches and an additional six to eight groups walking along specific routes cleaning up approximately 10 tons of garbage each year. “We care deeply for our community and value working together to keep it clean – but we care far more for the welfare of the citizens of Steinbach and the surrounding area,” said Hiebert. “Keeping people safe is our primary concern.” Hiebert also expressed hope that the event could be organized to take place sometime in June but only if the COVID-19 virus no longer poses a threat.
The Pick up and Walk team is encouraging Steinbach residents, who choose to go for safe walks, to take a garbage bag with them and pickup garbage along the way – keeping a safe three metre distance from others and wearing protective gloves.
The Pick up and Walk organizers thank the churches of Steinbach for their incredible support over the years, the people of Steinbach and area for their willingness to serve faithfully at this event each year as well as the many business and churches that sacrificially donate toward this event. Organizers look forward to announcing the next date of this event and to seeing the hundreds of people who will soon band together once again to work towards keeping Steinbach garbage-free.
