Rain doesn't dampen annual street cleanup in Winnipeg

The rain didn't stop hundreds of volunteers from hitting the pavement in Winnipeg to clean up the streets and alleys.

Over 200 people braved the dreary weather to walk around the William Whyte and Dufferin neighbourhoods on Friday for the Restore Our Core annual cleanup.

"We go out and on the ground we pick up all the litter. We also have trucks that go out and pick up bigger items," organizer Annette Champion-Taylor said.

She said it helps grow a sense of pride in the community, not just for the day but on a continuing basis.

Volunteer Andrew Reimer has lived with his family in the area for 15 years. He said the community needs deeper healing, but this is a way to express care for his neighbours.

"It's an event that everyone can be part of. It's a simple thing, picking up trash isn't hard to do but it's something where people can come together and have a tangible sense of making a difference," Reimer said.

The volunteers were joined by City employees and police officers. Police chief Devon Clunis said the event really exemplifies community.

"We have people coming together trying to build that neighbourhood up," he said, adding it has a long term impact.

On Saturday, volunteers will head to Lord Selkirk Park.