A remarkable environmental cleanup effort at Caruso Park on May 14, 2026, demonstrated once again the extraordinary dedication of local volunteers committed to keeping Brampton clean, green and litter-free.
Described by longtime volunteer and environmental advocate Bill Godfrey as “probably the toughest cleanup” he has ever participated in, the operation focused on a dangerously steep ravine slope filled with years of accumulated litter, illegally dumped garbage and debris hidden deep within the natural landscape.
The challenging cleanup was led by members of P.A.L. — People Against Littering — an organization widely recognized across Brampton for its ongoing efforts to promote environmental awareness, community pride and cleaner public spaces throughout the city.
Joining Bill Godfrey during the difficult cleanup were dedicated volunteers Marlene MacKay Chumak and Hank Bt, affectionately nicknamed “Marlene the Mountain Goat” and “Hank the Tank” for their determination and incredible physical effort throughout the operation.
According to the volunteers, the cleanup site featured a steep ravine estimated at nearly a 60-degree incline, with slippery and unstable ground conditions made even more dangerous by damp soil and exposed roots. Volunteers often had to crawl, grab onto trees and hold onto roots simply to avoid slipping or tumbling backward down the slope while attempting to collect trash.
The ravine reportedly contained litter and illegally dumped waste that had accumulated over many years, creating an extremely difficult and hazardous environment for cleanup crews.
Despite the dangerous conditions, the three volunteers spent more than two exhausting hours navigating the ravine and removing garbage bag after garbage bag filled with bottles, plastics, household waste and other debris.
By the end of the cleanup, the team had collected seven large industrial-sized bags of trash from the ravine. However, volunteers estimate that at least another twenty bags of litter and debris still remain scattered throughout the difficult terrain.
Bill Godfrey praised the courage and commitment of his fellow volunteers, acknowledging the extraordinary teamwork and resilience shown during the cleanup operation.
“This cleanup goes down as probably the toughest I have ever been involved in,” Godfrey shared. “Working on such a steep incline while carrying heavy garbage bags and trying not to fall backward was extremely difficult and dangerous. Marlene and Hank were absolutely incredible.”
The cleanup effort also highlights the continuing work of P.A.L. (People Against Littering), which has become one of Brampton’s most active grassroots environmental initiatives. Through regular community cleanups, awareness campaigns and volunteer-driven activities, the organization continues encouraging residents to take pride in protecting parks, ravines, trails and neighbourhoods across the city.
Bill Godfrey and fellow P.A.L. volunteers have long been recognized for their passion and dedication to keeping Brampton environmentally responsible, cleaner and safer for future generations. Their efforts not only remove litter from public spaces but also inspire community responsibility and environmental stewardship among residents of all ages.
Volunteers are now encouraging residents to properly dispose of waste, avoid illegal dumping and become more involved in community cleanup initiatives to help preserve Brampton’s parks, ravines and natural areas.
The challenging cleanup at Caruso Park stands as another powerful example of how dedicated community volunteers continue to make a meaningful difference through hard work, environmental responsibility and civic pride.
“Proud to be P.A.L.” remains more than just a slogan for these volunteers — it reflects a deep commitment to protecting the environment and building a cleaner, healthier Brampton for everyone.