SAIL TRAINING AMBASSADORS from across the city voluntarily mucked in on an organised litter pick in Roker.
Ten ambassadors all aged between 11 and 16, joined forces with other volunteers and refugees to remove litter and debris as part of International Refugee Week 2016 (20-26 June)
Refugee Week takes place every year across the world in the week around World Refugee Day on the 20 June. In the UK, Refugee Week is a nationwide programme of arts, cultural and educational events that celebrate the contribution of refugees to the UK, and encourages a better understanding between communities.
Setting off from the Interfaith Chaplaincy Centre the clean-up was organised as a community event for everyone to do their bit in keeping the city clean and tidy.
Rev Chris Howson, Chaplain for the University of Sunderland said: “A key role for the chaplaincy is to encourage creative links between the University and the wider community. Events like this one are a great way to involve as many people as possible to do something positive for residents, students and of course the city.
The opportunities that the Tall Ships Races will bring in 2018 are fantastic. I pray the city wholeheartedly gets behind the event. We have great residents, and students here and our city truly has a lot to offer.”
Luke Hall (15) a student at Houghton Kepier School who took part in the litter-pick, said: “I really enjoyed the litter pick. I met some great new people and it is good to know that others are starting to care more for Sunderland. I think it is everyone’s responsibility to keep the areas where we live clean and safe so we can all be proud of our community.”
Councillor Michael Mordey, Sunderland City Council’s Portfolio Holder for City Services said: “I would wholeheartedly like to thank everyone involved in the litter-pick. The event organised by Reverend Howson shows what can be achieved when communities start to work together to make a positive impact. As further budget cuts begin to impact our frontline service provision it is great to see people taking pride in where they live and to be willing to work with us to keep our city clean and tidy.”
Ian Flannery, Project Director for The Tall Ships Races Sunderland 2018, added: “We are delighted with the efforts of the whole team. They have done a fantastic job. I’m sure local residents will be very happy with their work
“As part of our ambassador programme, participants are encouraged to complete community tasks as well as personal development. By taking part in this litter pick event, our ambassadors have shown great community spirit, we are very proud of them.”