If you’ve noticed that downtown Moose Jaw is looking a little cleaner — and even a little greener — this summer, it’s thanks in part to a 12-week initiative that’s proving to be about more than just keeping things tidy.
The Helping Hands program, launched at the end of May by the Downtown Moose Jaw Association, brings volunteers together several times a week to help put the city’s best face forward.
“We're just taking it upon ourselves to clean up all the excess garbage, weeds and trying to make our downtown look as beautiful as possible,” said Shannon Simpson, the program’s coordinator.
“It's been really good for everybody... especially our volunteer workers as they have taken a lot of pride in their community.”
Flexible schedule with a lasting impact
The program operates on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays for about three hours a day. Participation varies week to week, with as many as 25 people having taken part in some capacity over the course of the summer.
One regular, Terence Hodgson, said he’s been involved for about two months and plans to continue even after the program wraps up.
“I feel like I'm doing good in the community getting this stuff off the streets,” he said.
“It's not just a program. I'm going to keep it going on my own too. It’s changed me as a person.”
Cleaning up more than just litter
The volunteers clean up everything from drink cups, straws and cigarette butts to more dangerous items including used needles which are reported to and safely removed by emergency services.
“We find everything from (pieces of broken parking meters) to plastic toothpicks, paper straws, cups… people leave everything all over the streets,” said Hodgson.
“We’ve called in a few needles. We got the fire department to come out and get them off the street.”
A continuous effort
Their hard work is appreciated, but the task isn’t one that stays completed for long; both Simpson and Hodgson noted that litter quickly builds up when the team isn’t out.
“I notice a difference whenever we stop for a couple of days,” Hodgson said.
“Even when I'm not doing this, I find myself picking up garbage.”
Community response and future plans
According to Simpson, residents and business owners alike have responded positively to the program.
“We've had lots of people that have been watching us work come up and ask who we are and what we're doing,” she said.
“Tourists have stopped us too and said they’ve never seen a program like this before.”
Helping Hands is set to continue through September, running cleanup efforts alongside events like the upcoming Little Chicago Show & Shine.
Both Simpson and Hodgson indicated that they would like to keep the program going through the winter, shifting focus toward snow removal.
“If it were up to me, I would keep it going all winter long, it would be nice to make sure everything was cleared of snow and safe for everybody,” said Simpson.
Getting involved
Hodgson said that for those who would like to get involved, the requirements are simple.
“You’ve got to have a little bit of motivation and be able to pick up garbage.”
Simson added that they’re not just cleaning, the program gives participants a sense of responsibility.
“They’ve taken great pride in doing what they’re doing,” she said.
