In an inspiring display of community spirit, United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County, the City of Windsor, CUPE 82 and Rocket Innovation Studio, came together to host over 70 people for a community clean up on September 13 2023. Volunteers from companies and businesses downtown, and across Windsor, came to support the clean up effort and their downtown neighbours.
Streets, sideways and alleys were cleaned across the downtown core spanning from Parent Avenue to Dougall Avenue and from City Hall Square to Giles Boulevard. The goal was to support the pride that residents in Downtown Windsor feel for their neighbourhood by helping to create safe places for children and families to live and play.
Picking up litter and clearing the overgrowth of shrubs and landscaping helps change attitudes in a neighbourhood. Cleaning alleyways has a direct impact on making a neighbourhood feel safer and reduces crime.
“Community clean-ups aren’t just about picking up litter; they’re about picking up the spirits of our neighbourhoods,” said Rose Hayes, ProsperUs Community Action Network, Downtown Windsor Co-Chair.
“When we come together to care for our shared spaces, we not only create a cleaner environment, we also create stronger bonds, foster community pride, and leave a legacy of unity for the people of downtown Windsor.”
“It was wonderful to see so many people come together to support the clean-up effort for our Downtown neighbours,” said Lorraine Goddard, CEO of United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County.
“The volunteers had so much enthusiasm and it was clearly very important to them to support fellow residents and help revitalize the area for children and families.”
Volunteers gathered in front of City Hall for breakfast sponsored by CUPE 82, as well as opening ceremonies, before gathering supplies provided by the City of Windsor and hitting the streets. Volunteers came back together at City Hall Square for lunch provided by Rocket Innovation Studio.
Representatives from the following partners participated: Ford Canada, Greenshield Canada, Rocket Innovation Studio, Rocket Mortgage, Scotia Bank, Stellantis, Tregaskiss, University of Windsor, and WEtech Alliance. Community residents also participated.