Clean Up Green Up 2026

There’s something meaningful about caring for the spaces closest to home. Recently, my daughter and I spent a beautiful, warm, sunny day at Sussex Park taking part in our Shared Abundance Clean Up Green Up. With the park just a short distance from where we live, it feels like an extension of our own backyard.

A big thank you to the City of Richmond Hill for providing all the garbage bags and gloves!

Together, we collected five full garbage bags of trash. As we worked, a few residents passing by on their way to admire the cherry blossoms stopped to say thank you, small moments that made the day feel even more worthwhile.

Along the way, we came across some unexpected items: discarded clothing, glass panels, signs of an abandoned encampment, and even things like a vibrator and drug paraphernalia. It was a reminder of how easily shared spaces can become neglected, and how important it is for communities to step in and care for them.

Keeping our green spaces clean goes far beyond appearances. Parks are home to wildlife, places where children play, and where people come to rest, connect, and enjoy nature. When we take care of these spaces, we help create a safer, healthier environment for everyone.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to spend that time outdoors, to give back alongside my daughter, and to be reminded that even small actions can have a meaningful impact, especially when it comes to protecting the beauty that surrounds us.

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