Shoes, rotten fruit, “a weird lamp” and lots of glass were collected and packed away, one garbage bag at a time, as students swept through the Ghetto on Sunday during an annual AMS-run clean-up event.
Called the Ghetto Green-Up, the event—-organized by the Municipal Affairs Commission—attracted 35 to 40 student volunteers and even some permanent residents.
The clean-up targeted Clergy, Earl and Aberdeen Streets, where participant picked up garbage on streets, lawns and sidewalks. Naomi Lutes, AMS municipal affairs commissioner, said she was satisfied with the volunteer turnout, especially considering that many students were busy with mid and the weather was overcast.
“We got a lot cleaned up,” she said. “Everyone had a good time.”
Lutes said she was hoping to sur last year’s record of 50 participants, but added this year’s volunteers were still able to cover a large area in the Ghetto.
“I wanted to break the record,” she said. “The people who came out were wonderful.”
Lutes added the event is especially important this year because it shows the greater Kingston community that students care for their neighbourhood.
Among those who came out for the Ghetto Green-Up was AMS President Ethan Rabidoux, who said he was excited about participating.
“I’m fired up,” he said before the event. “I’m going to be on Aberdeen. This event is the one that beats them all.” Richard Zussman, ArtSci ’06, said he would have preferred better weather.
“It’s a shame it [wasn’t] sunnier outside,” he said. “It’s still going to be a good time though.” Zussman added he was saddened last spring at the sight of students burning cardboard boxes in the Ghetto.
Also present at the event was Don Rogers, a former city councillor and longtime Sydenham resident, who said it was his fourth time participating. “It’s a great initiative and a worthwhile project,” he said. “It is [in] everyone’s best interests to have a nice-looking community, and it’s also a great way to get some exercise.” Lutes said the Municipal Affairs Commission will hold at least one more Ghetto Green-Up in the spring, which will coincide with an annual city-run clean-up event, called Pitch-In Kingston.
—With files from Christina Bossart
All final editorial decisions are made by the Editor(s) in Chief and/or the Managing Editor. Authors should not be ed, targeted, or harassed under any circumstances. If you have any grievances with this article, please direct your comments to [email protected].