Soaked But Strong: Volunteers Brave the Rain to Help Clean Up

Every year, the North Central Community Association organizes a clean-up to help get rid of garbage and large items in the inner-city neighbourhood before winter arrives.

This year, the clean-up faced a new challenge — heavy rain, but that didn’t stop volunteers from showing up and doing their part.

“The rain was constant during the clean-up, but things still went well,” says Misty-Lee Bird, a SaskEnergy employee who helped out along with her partner Jamey. “People in North Central don’t always have a way to get rid of big items, so even though we were soaked, it felt good to help.”

Volunteers worked through puddles and mud, picking up furniture, tires, appliances, and wood from yards and alleyways. In the end, they filled two-and-a-half large Loraas bins with garbage, an impressive amount considering the wet weather.

Henry Onaghise, another SaskEnergy employee, said the experience meant a lot to him.

“It’s inspiring to work with people who care about the community,” he says. “Helping clean up the neighbourhood shows respect and support for the residents.”

SaskEnergy sponsored the event through its Champion of Volunteers program. The company also provided trucks to help move the collected items to the landfill.

Employee Alfa Viernes joined the clean-up with her husband and says she’s proud to be part of a company that encourages volunteering.

“It’s great to work for an organization that values giving back,” she says. “It gives us chances to help the community.”

Even though the rain made things harder, employee Quinn Legare says the team stayed positive.

“The rain gave us something to bond over,” he said. “We did a great job.”

Misty-Lee hopes more people will volunteer (and the weather will cooperate) next time to make an even bigger impact.

“It was rewarding to see how much garbage we removed,” she says. “This event helps make our community cleaner and safer.”