Rotarians Litter Pick Success
A team of community spirited Rotarians donned their high viz jackets and grabbed bags and litter pickers to encourage people living on the Easterside Estate to become physically active as part of an initiative to improve heath for residents.
Led by Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Cleveland, and supported by schoolchildren designated ‘eco warriors’ from Easterside Primary School, the litter pick collected 25 bags of rubbish in just 90 minutes.
Also taking part was the elected Mayor of Middlesbrough, Andy Preston, who met with local community group Active Easterside to find out more about their work to improve the lives of local residents.
The Mayor also officially re-opened the Bexley allotments on the estate and talked to plot holders about their plans and the importance of community initiatives such as this in bringing people together for the good of the area.
The Rotary Club of Cleveland meet weekly at Acklam Rugby Club which borders onto the estate, a factor that encouraged the club to help their local community as Chair, Nigel Jackson explained:
“Rotary International, of which the Rotary Club of Cleveland is a part, is a volunteer networking organisation where our members use their skills and their time to improve the lives of others while having great fun in the process. Organising initiatives and events for our neighbours is a great example of what we do for the benefit of our local community. We’ve focused ontackling issues of inactivity and poor health on the estate by targeting adult residents.” he said.
“The litter pick is just one example of our work in this community to improve health and wellbeing. We’ve also arranged classes at Easterside Community Hub, led local walks, attended a sports day at Easterside primary to encourage children and their parents and grandparents to get involved in physical activities and set up the allotment club too.”
Ends
Photo shows some of the Rotarians and volunteers at the litter pick including 3rd from left Nigel Jackson (Chair)