Dear Editor,
Now in its third year, the Rupert Rubbish Round-up is growing fast, and looking to expand its reach. The idea is simple: a city-wide cleanup on a neighbourhood scale. The event looks for leaders, coined ‘Neighbourhood Stewards’, to lead the charge in their respective areas — contacting and mobilizing neighbours to participate in the two-hour clean up. As a result of the event, city streets, local paths and neighbourhood trails, get a sweeping pick-me-up, and neighbours have an opportunity to get to know one another.
This is about more than picking up litter. This is about building community, resilience and pride in our neighbourhoods. We cleaned up quite a few areas of the city last year, but in order for this to work on a city-scale, we are asking community members to step up as Neighbourhood Stewards so we can cover more ground.
This year, the event is Sunday, March 11 from 2-4 p.m. After significant growth in 2017, and under Transition Prince Rupert’s banner, I hope to make the Rupert Rubbish Round-Up a household name and event that Rupertites look forward to every year. In advance of the event, I will coordinate potlucks to provide information to organizers, and strengthen ties between the volunteer leaders.
READ MORE: Second annual Rupert Rubbish Round-up cleans east side of town
The idea was inspired in 2015 through a combination of the work done by Positive Prince Rupert-Civic Pride and the Placemaking Workshop facilitated by Transition Prince Rupert that encouraged residents to reclaim public spaces. This year, I am working to build a community garden during the Round-Up with neighbours on my street.
A neighbourhood generally encompasses a few city blocks, and Neighbourhood Stewards are requested to contact their neighbours door-to-door to generate interest ahead of time. If you are interested in being the Neighbourhood Steward for your street, contact me, and come to the upcoming Steward Potluck on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 6:00 p.m. to learn more. Like and Follow the page for more information on the potluck location.
Contact: (778) 361-0234, sarahdantzer89@gmail.com and website, Fb.me/RupertRR
Sarah Dantzer
Director, Transition Prince Rupert