The Portage Community Revitalization Corporation has organized two beautification days for our fair city. Community Engagement Coordinator Sara Herrebout says with the recent snow melt there are large amounts of garbage all over Portage, so they've planned these beautification days to hopefully cover as much of the city as possible. Herrebout notes in the past they've done several neighbourhood-based clean-ups each summer, adding this year their hope is to see a lot more people getting involved and taking pride in their community. She says they've designated a number of sites where folks can come together to pick up garbage bags, recycling bags and gloves before heading out to pick up litter.

Herrebout adds the beautification days will take place on Friday and Saturday, May 23rd and 24th. You can sign up and get supplies at the following locations on Friday, may 23rd: MIG Insurance, 415 Saskatchewan Avenue; CFRY/MIX 96, 2390 Sissons Drive; Red River College, 32 5th St. SE, and the Portage Community Revitalization Corporation, 56 Royal Road North. On Saturday, May 24th, the registration tables and supplies will be located at Fort la Reine School, 36 13th St. NW; North Memorial School, 410 6th St. NE; the Portage school division office, 535 3rd St. NW; and Red River College, 32 5th St. SE. Herrebout says they're hoping as many people come out and participate as possible over the course of the two days.

She notes a free BBQ will take place between 4 and 6 p.m. on Saturday the 24th to thank everyone who got involved in the beautification days, adding the event in Island Park is also open to anyone else who'd like to come out. Herrebout says for those who are considering taking part in the clean-up, there is no big time commitment because you can just come get your supplies and do a block or two for 30 to 60 minutes. She notes it's also a wonderful way to meet your neighbours and have some fun with other folks in the community.