Clean up a spring to action

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Strathmore’s streets and parks are cleaner thanks to a group of hard-working volunteers. 

While this year’s one day clean-up event was officially cancelled by the town due to COVID-19, Strathmore town councillor Jason Montgomery led a decentralized effort to pick up trash around town last week. 

As an incentive to participate in the event, Montgomery hid vouchers for three-month family all access passes that can be used at any of the Town of Strathmore’s recreational facilities.

About 20 individuals or families have been rewarded with a voucher so far, said Montgomery. A draw for additional vouchers for participants was held on May 19.

The event was a success, said Montgomery.

“I was really impressed with the response from the community and seeing everybody get out and do their part,” he said. “It was really neat to see.”

The clean up was done across Strathmore. “It was kind of all over the place,” he said. “Parks, boulevards, along the highway – anywhere, like stretches of fencing, where garbage tends to get caught.”

The effort was a way for people to get involved and improve Strathmore, said Montgomery.

“A town cleanup is a great, low-commitment way for many people to become spontaneously involved in helping make our community better, in a way that is immediate and clearly noticeable.”

Residents of all ages were welcome to participate – no matter how small, he said.

“It is also great because people of all ages and abilities can take part, which helps the youth in our community learn to give back and contribute to their community, and be more conscientious citizens.”

The event could help create a lasting passion for volunteerism, said Montgomery.

“People who take part will feel more connected and take more pride in their community, and they will also be more likely to volunteer in different ways in the future,” he said.