The 20-Minute Makeover is NOW ON!
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The week-long community cleanup event runs until April 24
Let’s all do our part to keep Vaughan clean! The City of Vaughan’s popular 20-Minute Makeover event begins today – and it is even bigger and better than before. Now a week-long cleanup, registered residents will dedicate time from now until Sunday, April 24 to beautify Vaughan.
Beginning today, makeover participants will head outside and spring clean their neighbourhoods for 20 minutes – this is less time than it takes to watch a television show, wait for a food delivery or listen to a podcast.
While participating in the 20-Minute Makeover, use caution and follow York Region Public Health COVID-19 protocols. In addition, remember to:
- use cleanup supplies, including gloves and bags.
- not pick up any litter you feel uncomfortable handling or dangerous items, including syringes, broken glass and medical waste.
- stay mentally alert; only collect litter from safe areas and be mindful of traffic.
- avoid ravines, streams, rivers, stormwater ponds and other bodies of water.
- wear appropriate protective clothing depending on the weather, including boots, rain jackets, hats and sunscreen.
- avoid over-exertion and take breaks when needed.
- make note of what types of items you are picking up and the number of bags filled so you can report on what was collected afterwards.
- post a photo of your cleanup on social media using the hashtag #Vaughan20MM.
Litter collected in the provided garbage bags may be left beside a City garbage bin within the park or greenspace. Garbage bags must not be left in fields, playgrounds or anywhere other than directly beside a City-owned garbage bin, unless otherwise approved by the City.
The City of Vaughan has participated in the 20-Minute Makeover event for the past 15 years, excluding 2020 and 2021 in response to provincial COVID-19 measures. It is hosted every year in April, in honour of Earth Day. This year’s cleanup initiative is sponsored by Glad Canada and in partnership with Pitch-In Canada – a national non-profit group dedicated to preserving and creating more sustainable environments.
The annual event further strengthens the City’s commitment to preserving the community by creating lasting and sustainable behaviours. This event also supports goals outlined in Green Directions Vaughan, the City’s community sustainability plan, and promotes environmental stewardship, one of Council’s priorities outlined in the 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan.