Photos by: Denise Cooperwhite
The dismal skies and consistent rainfall did not dissuade more than 800 Miltonians from their volunteer duties on Milton Good Neighbours Community Day – May 6, 2017. Attendees included singular do-gooders who created clean-up teams, as well as representation from various community groups including the Milton Youth Club, Beavers, the Muslim Association of Milton, and the Pakistani Canadian Council of Milton. The Milton Fire Department and RCMP were on hand both as volunteers and for additional event support and safety.
The Town Hall was full of life despite the early morning hour. Tim and Eugene from The Decent Blokes pumped up the crowd with upbeat tunes, and The Rotary Club of Milton kept the bbq sizzling with delicious pea meal sandwiches.
Celebrating its 25th year, the Milton Good Neighbours Community Day encourages volunteers to assist the community by cleaning up parkland and roadsides, and providing support for those who are unable by washing windows, digging gardens, planting flowers and raking leaves.
Carol Winter, part of the Milton Good Neighbours Committee was very happy with the turnout. “We have amazing volunteers, committee members, and a community who came out despite the wet weather!” Mother Julie Rachpaul agrees, and says the day is also about the children. “I thought it would be a good lesson in social responsibility for my son – and it shows him the importance of the environment.” Once it became clear that the rain would not let up, she was even more determined to teach him about seeing through commitment.
Before volunteers dispersed for the day, the crowd heard speeches from Committee member Alex Wellstead, and Mayor Gord Krantz, who invited everyone to sing Happy Birthday in honour of the 25th Anniversary.
