By Erin Martin
On the 4th of March, a community clean-up event was organised in Eike Street in Heidelberg by the GCBR and Hessequa Municipality in collaboration with Cape Nature. The (Community Work Programme) CWP workers from Heidelberg and Riversdale gave a huge helping hand. The event brought people together for an important cause: cleaning up the area and taking better care of our environment.
Teamwork in Action
The day started with all of us divided into pairs. One person used a litter picker to grab trash, while the other held the bag open. After some time, we rotated, giving everyone a chance to take on both tasks. We tackled the street and several surrounding open areas that had sadly become dumping grounds.
The work was tough, but the team spirit kept everyone going. It was incredible to see so many people dedicated to making a difference. As we cleaned, it became clear that this was more than just picking up trash, it was about taking responsibility for our community and showing that we care.
The Amount of Waste Collected
By the end of the day, we had collected around 50 bags of trash. It was shocking to see how much plastic and other discarded items had piled up in the area. This was a harsh reminder of how carelessness can lead to bigger problems, like health risks, pollution, and safety hazards.
Seeing it firsthand made me realise that it’s up to all of us to do better and lead by example when it comes to keeping our environment clean.
A Noticeable Difference
After hours of hard work, the transformation was incredible. There was a real sense of pride as we stood back and admired the results. It was evident that our efforts had made a visible difference in the community, and that feeling of accomplishment was truly rewarding.
What stood out the most was how working together brought about such positive change. It felt good to know that our collective efforts could do something impactful and send a message that we all have a responsibility to take care of the world around us.
Thank You to Our Supporters
This clean-up event wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and support of the Hessequa Municipality’s technical department, Cape Nature and the hardworking CWP workers. They were instrumental in organising and making sure everything ran smoothly. Their dedication made a huge difference, and we couldn’t have achieved such great results without them.
Moving Forward: More Than Just One Event
This clean-up in Heidelberg was more than just a one-off effort. It showed the power of community coming together for a cause. It reminded us that we don’t have to wait for a big event to make a difference. Whether it’s picking up trash, reducing waste, or simply being more mindful of our surroundings, every little action counts.
As we look ahead, I hope this clean-up will inspire others to take part in similar initiatives. We all have a role to play in keeping our communities clean and safe. Together, we can continue to make positive changes and ensure a healthier, more sustainable environment for generations to come.