In the third annual event, a record-breaking 400 youth volunteers and families gathered at Andrew McCandless Park on Sunday, April 13, 2025, for an Earth Month clean-up and tree planting event organized by Councillor Rowena Santos, her team and Youth Council. The event brought together local organizations and students from across the city and region in a joint effort to make a big impact. Volunteers collected 170 bags of garbage, planted 150 trees and shrubs, and collected 500 lbs of electronic waste.
“I am so proud of our youth who volunteered for our third annual clean-up event that keeps getting bigger and better every single year. As part of the City’s Imagine Your Impact Campaign, these incredible youth cleaned up the park, planted trees, and collected e-waste in 45 minutes,” said Santos. “Everyone had a great time after with a free community BBQ provided by our City Parks team. Many signed our Litter Reduction Charter and more importantly learned the lesson that small actions make a big difference when we all work together. They will do their part every day to keep our City clean.”
Councillor Santos, her team, and the Santos Youth Council, alongside partners including City of Brampton Parks, Credit Valley Conservation (CVC), Human Nature Project (HNP), People Against Littering (PALs), Let’s Get Together, Com2, Plant Based Treaty, Concord in the City, and Region of Peel / OCWA joined together at the park.
Councillor Santos welcomed the crowd, thanking all participating organizations and volunteers. She also acknowledged the BBQ provided by the City of Brampton’s Parks Department and the Concord Coffee Truck.
Youth Council Co-Chairs also shared opening remarks with the participants, encouraging all participants to stay engaged in future opportunities. This was followed by brief safety reminders from HNP and PALs.
“We have been working for months, spreading the word with reels and posts, and contacting our own peers to do their part for the environment. It’s been such a wonderful experience to organize and promote Councillor Santos’ Annual Earth Day event, and watching hundreds of youth show up for the planet. We cannot wait for our next event!” – Santos Youth Council, Leadership Team
With thanks to all participating organizations
Councillor Santos Youth Council:
Youth aged 15 to 29 can join our youth council to get more engaged in their community, network with like-minded students, and earn valuable volunteer experience. Learn More
City of Brampton Parks:
The City of Brampton Parks team is hosting a series of Community Park Clean-up events throughout the month of April. Community Services, of which Councillor Santos serves as Chair, leads a number of initiatives throughout the year that encourage residents to take small actions that make a big difference. Learn More
PALs (People Against Littering):
People Against Littering is a dedicated volunteer group in Brampton founded by Bill Godfrey. They work every day to clean up the city and change attitudes about litter. Learn More
CVC (Credit Valley Conservation):
Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) is a community-based environmental organization, dedicated to protecting, restoring and managing the natural resources of the Credit River Watershed. Learn More
HNP (Human Nature Project):
Human Nature Projects (HNP) Ontario is a federally registered, youth-led, non-profit organization seeking to raise awareness for current environmental issues. Learn More
Let’s Get Together:
Let’s Get Together is working to provide every youth with equal opportunity to pursue higher education. Check out their Tech Collect Drive Events: Schedule
Plant Based Treaty:
Promoting a just, plant-based food system to restore forests and keep us within planetary boundaries. Learn More
Concord in the City:
Concord in the City is a charitable initiative supporting adults with intellectual disabilities in building job skills, independence, and pathways to permanent housing. Learn More
Region of Peel and OCWA:
Thank you to the Region of Peel for sponsoring the OCWA water refill station to ensure that volunteers had water available without single use plastic water bottles. Learn More
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Media Contact: rowena.santos@brampton.ca
