It’s an event that transforms the environment, is great for wildlife and our mental health and generates free tickets for fun days out all in just sixty minutes.
The hugely successful Horsford Litter Pick saw 40 volunteers including the Horsford Brownies collect a massive 55kgs of rubbish from the picturesque village.
The one-hour litter pick, sponsored by McDonalds and organised by Transforming Local Communities (TLC), saw the Brownies not only clear rubbish but they also produced advertising posters and planned the routes for people who attended the popular event.
Kevin Foley, owner of K Foley Ltd, a company operating 10 McDonald’s franchises across Norfolk, gave £100 in sponsorship to the participants and the event which place at 9am from Horsford Methodist Church on April 5. The money was used to cover the running costs of the event including hall hire and refreshments but the bulk of the cash went towards funding self-defence classes for women and girls in the community.
As well as providing a boost to community spirit, all the Brownies who took part in the litter pick earned their Brownie Community Badge while children aged 6-11 were able to work towards getting their green Blue Peter badges.
Stacy Bradley of TLC said: “It is astonishing what can be achieved when 40 volunteers give up one hour of their time to improve the area that they live in. Not only is litter picking great for the environment and the wildlife, but it also has a positive impact on mental health too.
“Horsford Brownie’s helped TLC to organise the event by making invitations and planning routes for people to go on. They were able to earn their Brownie’s Community Badge and have applied for their Green Blue Peter Badge.
“These badges will give them free access to 200 UK attractions – which, as the cost of living rises, can support families to have cheaper days out together. The Brownies all did an incredible job and should be very proud of their achievements!”
TLC has organised more than 50 sponsored community litter picks and currently use the sponsorship money to fund free self-defence classes.
“We want to lead as an example of how we can respond to many of societies issues with the help of the local community and business community. Well done to everyone and a huge thank you to K Foley LTD,” Ms Bradley said.
Litter pickers who took part hope that the event will help to raise awareness and deter people from dropping rubbish as they go about their business. Participants collected all sorts of rubbish including glass bottles and a 19-year-old packet of crisps.
All equipment was provided to participants who were afterwards treated to free tea, coffee, hot chocolate and biscuits. The event was organised with the help of 3rd Horsford and 1st St Faiths Brownies. Girlguiding in Horsford has always thrived with the existence of a Brownie Unit in the village dating back to 1967.
The Litter Pick will serve to enhance the village’s already enviable reputation as the surrounding Horsford Forest has been designated a County Wildlife Site.