June 1, 2009
(Red Deer, Alberta) – It’s not too late to help make Red Deer clean and green. Join dozens of volunteers and service groups who are dedicated to keeping Red Deer beautiful through the Green Deer program.
The annual clean up campaign traditionally lasts two weeks, but it was extended to two months this year, so the public have an even bigger opportunity to make a contribution to our city.
“We really encourage everyone to get involved in the Green Deer program,” says Suzanne Jubb, City of Red Deer campaign organizer. “This year, the program will last until June 21, so people can volunteer as their schedules permit. We have had an overwhelming response from the public, and people are very enthused about helping to keep Red Deer beautiful.”
The Green Deer program focuses specifically on cleaning parks and green spaces in the city, where litter accumulates over the winter months. By helping clean these spaces, the community protects our parks and the wildlife that live there. Citizens also help to create and maintain a safe environment for children, pets and people of all ages to enjoy.
Jubb notes a wide variety of individuals and service groups have contributed to the Green Deer program. “There has been an incredibly diverse group of people volunteering,” she says. “From youth to senior citizens to Red Deer City Council and staff. I keep track of the areas that are adopted on a map of the city, and the coverage has been amazing this year - the best ever.”
While the response has been very positive, there is still work to do. To officially become part of the Green Deer program, volunteers are encouraged to register by phone at 403-309-8411 or in person either at the Recreation Centre or the Collicutt Centre. People can also register through look ‘n’ book on The City’s website at www.reddeer.ca.
Looking to the future, the annual Green Deer program will continue in Red Deer, but Jubb also emphasizes the importance of education and prevention in keeping our city clean.
“Right now we are still being reactive by picking up litter, but we are moving toward a greater understanding of the damage litter does to the environment,” she says. “The next steps are to be proactive, to educate people to stop littering in the first place, and make it easy for them to change their behaviour.”
For more information about Green Deer visit www.reddeer.ca.
-end-
For more information, please contact:
Suzanne Jubb
Community and Program Facilitator
The City of Red Deer
403-309-8409
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