The annual effort of a community non-profit group to brighten up the appearance of Portage la Prairie is set to resume.

The Portage Community Revitalization Corporation's (PCRC) Graffiti Removal Program is returning June 12 -- allowing property owners across Portage who have been tagged with graffiti to have it cleaned up, for free. A two-person graffiti removal team known as 'The Green Team' -- because of the bright, green shirts they'll be sporting throughout the clean-up effort -- will either scrub away tags or paint over them throughout the nine-week program.

"Unfortunately we've seen a lot of graffiti tags pop up this spring," says PCRC community engagement coordinator Stefanie McKim, "We're really, really eager to start cleaning those up and start getting out to help the city get in better shape."

"At this time we're really trying to get the word out and trying to encourage people to report their graffiti so when the Green Team does start they can hit the ground running and really, really start to clean up the city."

To utilize the service, you just have to contact the PCRC through the graffiti hotline number, 204-240-0036. Users also have to complete a liability waiver.

"If you do spot graffiti or have some on your property, we really encourage you to get in touch with us," McKim adds. "We encourage you to take advantage of this free service. It's totally of benefit to the public and it's something that we're really excited to be able to offer again this year."