Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1497690
SATURDAY, APRIL 22, 2023 3 EARTH DAY 2023 Cleaning up the city, one piece of litter at a time BY TODD LEWYS S pring has sprung, and Tom Ethans of Take Pride Winnipeg is doing what he always does at this time of year: making plans to conduct a comprehensive city-wide clean-up. After the snow melts, it's easier to see how much litter is out there. The good news is that people are chomping at the bit to get out and beautify the city after a long Manitoba winter. As things are looking now, the clean-up will likely coincide with Earth Day, which takes place on April 22. "Lots of people are asking for gloves and garbage bags, and we have six schools and eight businesses already lined up to help," Ethans says. "West Kildonan Collegiate, which has over 850 students, is one of the schools that's committed to joining us. We hope to be out in the latter part of April." Turns out, Take Pride Winnipeg won't be the only organization working to clean up the city on or around Earth Day. Downtown Winnipeg BIZ also planned to do their part to make the city's downtown sparkle just prior to Earth Day. However, due to in- clement weather, the event will be rescheduled to a future date that will be determined soon. Pam Hardman, director of marketing, engagement and communica- tions at Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, is working hard to build momentum for the Earth Day CleanUp Downtown event. The purpose of the event is to bring out individuals and teams from workplaces and communities to pitch in and clean up downtown after the spring melt. Teams split up to scour six downtown sectors: the sports and enter- tainment district, Broadway-Assiniboine, the University of Winnipeg area, downtown east, north of Portage Avenue and Chinatown/North Main. Photos submitted by Downtown BIZ CONTINUED ON PAGE 4