Downtown cleanup revitalizes streets, spirits

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This article was published 16/06/2022 (1353 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Volunteers rallied together Wednesday to sweep debris from the streets of Brandon’s downtown and dust off their community spirit.

Starting in Princess Park, volunteers cleaned their way through downtown neighbourhoods with support from the City of Brandon environment, solid waste, parks and recreation services as well as community housing and wellness departments.

“The downtown needs to have the whole community come together and help out where we can,” said Shannon Saltarelli, the city’s community housing and wellness co-ordinator. “We thought as a city, we would help to support the organizations that have done some community cleanups already.”

A cleanup crew newly contracted by the Fresh Start program out of the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation will also be working in the downtown area every day for a few hours.

“Anybody of any ability can come and help us out. There is no job too small or too big that we can’t find for somebody to do,” Saltarelli said.

For those who were comfortable and trained, needle boxes were provided for the disposal of sharps. Those who were not trained or comfortable with picking up needles were able to report locations to Saltarelli for pickup and disposal by city staff.

Once they completed cleaning, volunteers returned to Princess Park for refreshments, treats and music.

Saltarelli was impressed by the number of community volunteers who participated in the event, including those who work, live or play downtown.

“Seeing people come downtown and helping us out is very inspiring, and I’m so appreciative.”

She hopes to see the downtown cleanup become a regular event. Another community cleanup is planned for the fall.

“Brandon has always been very supportive of community events, and lots of volunteerism is in this city,” Saltarelli said.

Mayor Rick Chrest, who was on hand for the community cleanup, praised city employees for helping out.

“It’s a good thing to do. It’s that old adage that many hands make light work,” he said.

It has been at least two years since the city organized a cleanup like this, the mayor said. There have been various smaller efforts led by individuals and organizations in Brandon, he said, and the event Wednesday served as a way to support them.

“There are people that just do this. They do this every day in any neighbourhood, and it’s kind of amazing,” Chrest said.

In his experience of serving as mayor over the last eight years, events like the community cleanup “warm his heart the most.”

“People are proud of their community and they are pleased to step up and pitch in.”

It was a successful day because the cleanup also helped to build community spirits. He could see the outpouring of care and consideration for the community, something Brandonites are known for.

People have missed these opportunities to connect during the COVID-19 pandemic, Chrest said, and that enhanced the spirit of the event.

“It’s giving people an outlet,” Chrest said. “Our community is craving this kind of engagement that’s coming back in full force, and it’s just great to see.”

» ckemp@brandonsun.com

» Twitter: @The_ChelseaKemp