On April 22, 2022, staff and members from the COUNTERfit Harm Reduction, keepSIX, and SOS programs held their annual Earth Day community clean-up. The day began with a smudging ceremony, after which volunteers walked down laneways around the SRCHC building collecting garbage. By the time they arrived at Jimmie Simpson Park, they had collected 10 full bags. They also cleaned up along Queen Street East. They didn’t find any syringes or stems—just lots of garbage!
By the time they arrived at the park, our volunteers had also run into other community members who were engaged in the same activity. These kinds of clean-ups help ensure that our community is safer and cleaner for everyone. They’re also a great way for volunteers and staff to work together for the good of our neighbourhood.