An annual event designed to promote community pride in the Gilbert Park area is preparing to celebrate its fifth anniversary.

Gilbert Park Community Pride Day of Caring is a community clean-up and beautification initiative in the north Winnipeg neighbourhood located near Burrows Avenue and Keewatin Street.

This year’s event is scheduled for Sat., May 26.

"It is run in partnership with several United Way agencies and area residents. It makes a visible difference in the quality of life for residents through a variety of team projects, including garbage removal," said Vicky Kammerloch, a member of the United Way’s GenNext Day of Caring committee.

Kammerloch said she and other organizers are hoping this year’s gathering will enjoy a high level of participation among neighbourhood residents.

With 254 units and almost 1,000 tenants, Gilbert Park is Manitoba’s largest public housing community. A majority of Gilbert Park tenants are children.

Area resident Tina Chabon said she has noticed the neighbourhood has enjoyed more volunteer participation and become a friendlier place to live during the past two years.

"With things like the community garden and events like community clean-ups, it is a great way to reach out to the area. Many, if not most, of the residents here have children so it is nice to have these kinds of spring time events," she said.

GenNext volunteers will be on hand working with area residents during the day. The event will offer activities for kids in addition to community clean-up work.

"We’re very excited about this event and expect our 2012 Day of Caring to be another huge success for Gilbert Park and a truly meaningful experience for our volunteers," Kammerloch said.
 
Facebook.com/TheTimesWPG
Twitter: @TimesWPG

rob.brown@canstarnews.com