Building Momentum Through Community Clean-Ups
Building Momentum Through Community Clean-Ups
We proudly kicked off our community clean-up efforts in September, aligning our first event with UN World Cleanup Day. What began as a single day of action has since grown into a monthly commitment, bringing volunteers together once a month to care for our neighbourhoods and local environment.
Since September, our clean-ups have helped remove litter, strengthen community connections, and raise awareness about the importance of shared responsibility for public spaces. This ongoing effort was recently recognized when we were featured in the Vancouver Neighbourhood Cleanup Program’s December Cleanup Chronicles Newsletter—a meaningful milestone that highlights the collective impact of our volunteers.
As we continue these monthly clean-ups, we remain grateful for everyone who shows up, pitches in, and helps keep our communities clean, welcoming, and sustainable. Here is what was said:
Volunteer Spotlight- Gastown Hastings Crossing Community Policing Centre
• When did you first start participating in our neighbourhood cleanup programs?
We just opened back in this past July and hosted our first Neighbourhood Cleanup Party in August as part of UN World Cleanup Day. It was a great event - we had around 40 volunteers showed up as well as Hon. Terry Yung, Minister of State for Community Safety and Integrated Services, and VPD Superintendent Phil Heard.
• What types of programs and services do you offer at GHX CPC?
We offer a variety of community outreach and support programs including walking patrols, road safety campaigns, park activations, special events, workshops such as seniors’ fraud prevention, CPTED (crime prevention through environmental design), and, of course, community cleanups! We also field general enquiries from the public, serve as a lost and found, and can be a safe space for residents who may not feel comfortable going directly to the police.
• When are your regular AAB cleanups and how many volunteers typically show up for these?
Our ongoing Adopt a Block cleanups are typically on the third Saturday of the month and we usually have 5 to 10 volunteers join us. These cleanups are a great opportunity for new volunteers to come out and get involved and meet some of our regulars. They are also low barrier, meaning anyone is welcome to join.
• Do you have any cleanup highlights or favourite memories?
Although we just started the cleanups back in August, we have been delighted with the response from the community. Once, we even had someone who just saw us cleaning in the neighbourhood ask to join us right there on the spot. We also have a lot of people just stop to say thank you, which is very rewarding for us and the volunteers to hear.
• How can folks get involved in your cleanups or other programs?
Everyone is welcome to join a community cleanup - all equipment and supplies provided! Just let us know by either email phone or come by the office- no registration is required. If you are interested in volunteering for our other programs, you can apply online at www.ghxcpc.ca/volunteer or visit our office to chat about all of our opportunities.