A child-friendly litter picking challenge is aiming to inspire young people to care for our environment.
Local volunteering organisation, Darlington Cares, has announced its first ever child-friendly litter-picking challenge.
Darlington Cares’ Programme Officer Chelsea Johnson is hoping the next Pick, Pie and a Pint event, which will take place on Friday August 3rd, will educate young people about the importance of caring for the environment and encourage them to keep the town tidy.
The events, organised by Darlington Cares, have seen multitudes of employees from local organisations volunteer their time to help spruce up the town centre.
Speaking about the event, Head of Environmental Services at Darlington Borough Council, Brian Graham, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Darlington Cares on the Pick, Pie and a Pint event. The Council is happy to support these litter picks as we see it’s really important to have local people taking pride in the town.”
Over the last three Pick, Pie and a Pint events, Darlington Cares has seen more than 180 local employees and residents volunteer to help clean up the town.
More than 182 bags of rubbish have been collected by volunteers during this year’s events and members of Darlington Cares are looking forward to seeing this figure rise.
As a thank you for their hard work, adults will receive a free pie and a pint at the Hole in the Wall pub, and the children will enjoy an ice cream from Darlington-based Tilly The Tricycle.
A number of local businesses, including The Northern Echo and Northumbrian Water, have shown their support by sponsoring previous events.
Darlington’s main shopping precinct, the Cornmill Shopping Centre, is sponsoring the August event.
Marketing manager of the Cornmill Shopping Centre, Kelly Hutchinson, said: “We can’t wait to be part of Darlington Cares’ Pick, Pie and a Pint event. It’s a fantastic event which brings like-minded people together and gives something back to our community.
“The residents of Darlington have shown dedication and enthusiasm by volunteering to keep our town tidy, and we’re honoured to be sponsoring a great day and hope it’s a big success.”
If you would like to find out more about sponsoring one of the upcoming events, sign up to participate in the next Pick, Pie and a Pint or find out more about the event, please email Chelsea.Johnson@darlington.gov.uk.
To find out more about Darlington Cares, its projects and volunteering opportunities visit www.darlingtoncares.co.uk.
Twitter: @darlingtoncares