Over 50 Volunteers Join PAL, Flower City Friends Club, Southlake Club and Lakelands Residents for a Community Cleanup Drive
BRAMPTON, ONTARIO | October 29, 2026
BRAMPTON: Heavy rain may have interrupted the cleanup activities, but it could not dampen the enthusiasm and community spirit of more than 50 volunteers who gathered at Lakelands Park in the Southlake Boulevard area of Brampton on Thursday, October 29, 2026, for a community cleanup drive organized by People Against Littering (P.A.L.).
The event brought together members of People Against Littering, Flower City Friends Club (FCFC), Southlake Club, local seniors and social associations, families, children and neighbourhood residents, all united by a common mission: keeping Brampton clean, green and beautiful.
Despite the challenging weather, volunteers collected approximately three large bags of litter, demonstrating that community determination and environmental responsibility can overcome even unfavourable weather conditions.
Bill Godfrey Welcomes Volunteers and Praises Community Spirit
Bill Godfrey, President of People Against Littering (P.A.L.), welcomed participants and expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the tremendous community response, particularly the dedication of volunteers who continued working through the heavy rain.
Godfrey emphasized that P.A.L.’s mission extends beyond collecting litter. It is about building a culture of environmental responsibility, encouraging residents to take ownership of their neighbourhoods and inspiring future generations to protect public spaces.
In a proposed statement reflecting his message, Godfrey said:
“The downpour certainly presented challenges, but it could not dampen the spirit of our P.A.L. volunteers and the wonderful Lakelands community. What makes these initiatives so meaningful is the willingness of neighbours, seniors, families and children to come together for a common cause. For six years, I have witnessed the kindness, generosity and community pride of Lakelands residents. Their dedication continues to inspire me. Together, we can make Flower City Brampton one of the cleanest and most beautiful cities in Ontario.”
Godfrey particularly recognized Hank Bt, Victoria Reynolds, Joseph Saunders, Pragna Sabhaya, Saumil Sabhaya and Linda Marie Pavone, who undertook much of the physically demanding cleanup work despite becoming drenched in the rain.
Special appreciation was also extended to Sandy Brosbell and Wilma Colekessian, who managed organizational arrangements at the park gazebo and coordinated the distribution of P.A.L. T-shirts.
Flower City Friends Club Plays an Important Role in Mobilizing Volunteers
Gian Paul, Chairperson of Flower City Friends Club (FCFC) and one of the organizers supporting the initiative, played an important role in promoting the cleanup drive through social media announcements, posters and community outreach.
Despite the short notice, his efforts helped encourage participation from seniors, community organizations and local residents.
Bill Godfrey personally acknowledged Paul’s contribution, describing his promotional efforts as a tremendous help in bringing together an enthusiastic group of volunteers.
Members of Flower City Friends Club, including Paul’s wife, Jatinder Paul, joined the community initiative, reflecting the organization’s commitment to volunteerism, environmental awareness and civic responsibility.
Gian Paul stated in a proposed quote:
“Brampton is proudly known as the Flower City, and it is our collective responsibility to preserve the beauty of our parks, streets and neighbourhoods. I am particularly encouraged to see seniors, young children, families and community organizations working together for this important cause. The rain may have slowed our activities, but it could not weaken our determination. Community service has no age limit, and initiatives like this demonstrate that every resident has a role to play in building a cleaner, healthier and more beautiful Brampton.”
Paul further emphasized that seniors associations should actively participate in initiatives beyond social and recreational activities.
“Our seniors have a lifetime of experience, wisdom and dedication to offer. By participating in environmental and community service projects, they continue to set an inspiring example for younger generations. Flower City Friends Club will always be pleased to support meaningful initiatives that strengthen our community,” he added.
Southlake Club Joins the Community Cleanup Initiative
Members of Southlake Club, another Brampton-based community organization, also joined the cleanup effort, reinforcing the importance of cooperation among community groups.
Ram Singh Daind, Director of Southlake Club, expressed appreciation for the volunteers and emphasized the importance of environmental responsibility as part of community development.
In a proposed statement, Daind said:
“A strong community is built when residents come together not only to celebrate but also to serve. Today’s cleanup drive is an excellent example of cooperation among community organizations, seniors and neighbourhood families. Southlake Club believes that protecting our environment is an essential part of building a healthy and welcoming community. We are proud to support People Against Littering and look forward to participating in more initiatives that help make Brampton cleaner and greener.”
Volunteers Recognized with P.A.L. T-Shirts, Buttons and Refreshments
As part of the event, P.A.L. T-shirts were distributed to volunteers who had previously ordered them, while additional shirts were made available for purchase.
Participants also received “Be a P.A.L.” buttons, generously provided by Julie Luckasavitch, helping spread the message of environmental awareness and community participation.
Light snacks and refreshments added warmth and hospitality to the gathering. In a particularly thoughtful gesture, two gentlemen from a local seniors group brought delicious samosas and sweets to share with participants, a gesture warmly appreciated by everyone.
Amritpal Dhillon, a supporter of People Against Littering, shared the following proposed statement:
“Volunteers are the backbone of every successful community initiative. Their willingness to give their time and energy, particularly under difficult weather conditions, deserves our deepest appreciation. The T-shirts, buttons and refreshments are small gestures, but they represent something much bigger — friendship, recognition and community pride. We must continue encouraging more residents, especially young people and families, to become part of this movement.”
Families, Children and Neighbourhood Residents Join the Effort
One of the most heartwarming aspects of the cleanup was the enthusiastic participation of local families and children.
Two young boys volunteered to help shortly after organizers arrived, while a father and daughter from the neighbourhood also joined the activities.
Aman Sharma, accompanied by his wife and daughter, participated in the event, demonstrating continued involvement in local community initiatives.
Godfrey appreciated the family’s enthusiasm and expressed particular admiration for the thoughtful conversation he had with Sharma’s daughter, whose ideas and interest in community matters left a positive impression.
Dimple Sidhu, a recent member of People Against Littering, also attended with her son. Sidhu, who hosts a podcast, expressed interest in contributing ideas and suggestions to support future community initiatives.
Her podcast can be viewed at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6PAYsJLSZ9aJa-sVRCCGjQ
The participation of families, children and seniors demonstrated how environmental initiatives can bring generations together while strengthening neighbourhood relationships.
People Against Littering: Six Years of Community Engagement in Lakelands
People Against Littering is a community-driven initiative dedicated to promoting environmental responsibility, preventing littering and encouraging residents to take pride in their surroundings.
Through cleanup drives, public awareness activities and volunteer engagement, P.A.L. seeks to build a lasting culture of cleanliness and civic responsibility.
Bill Godfrey reflected on six years of working alongside Lakelands residents, describing the neighbourhood as one of Brampton’s kindest and most caring communities.
The organization believes that litter prevention must become a shared responsibility rather than an occasional activity.
Its efforts encourage residents to dispose of waste responsibly, maintain clean public spaces and become active participants in protecting the environment.
As Brampton continues to grow, grassroots organizations such as P.A.L. play an increasingly valuable role in complementing municipal efforts to maintain clean and welcoming neighbourhoods.
A Community United for a Cleaner Flower City
The Lakelands Park cleanup demonstrated the power of grassroots volunteerism and the importance of collaboration among community organizations, neighbourhood residents and local supporters.
Although heavy rain affected the planned activities, volunteers successfully collected approximately three large bags of litter while strengthening community connections and raising awareness about environmental responsibility.
The organizers expressed sincere appreciation to all participants, particularly those who worked through the rain, helped coordinate the event, promoted the initiative and provided refreshments and other support.
Special recognition was extended to the dedicated P.A.L. volunteers, Flower City Friends Club, Southlake Club, participating seniors associations, neighbourhood families and individual supporters.
The event reinforced an important message: keeping Brampton clean is not solely the responsibility of the City; it is a shared civic duty of every resident.
With continued collaboration, volunteer participation and environmental education, People Against Littering and its community partners hope to help make Flower City Brampton one of the cleanest, greenest and most beautiful cities in Ontario.
“Rain or Shine, Brampton Will Shine!”
“Don’t Be a Litterbug — Be a Brampton Beautifier!”
“Our City. Our Parks. Our Responsibility.”
The Lakelands cleanup was more than an environmental activity. It was a celebration of neighbourhood friendship, generosity, volunteerism and the shared belief that even small actions can make a lasting difference.
Together, one park, one neighbourhood and one volunteer at a time, we can keep Flower City Brampton beautiful.
