Hello! My name is Shawn Carroll, and I am a born-and-raised resident of Sault Ste. Marie. Growing up, I have always valued where I come from because it has always been a beautiful, peaceful, and clean community.

In recent years, especially after COVID, we have seen a rise in garbage throughout our community, along with needles being left on the ground by drug users. This has become a major concern for both myself and other community members, as it has made our parks, local pathways, and public spaces unsafe. Many people no longer feel comfortable bringing their children or pets to these areas because of the danger posed by discarded needles. As a father myself, it scares me to think that there are so few safe places for my son to play.

After a long and difficult weight-loss journey, I have lost over 250 pounds. I am now using my newfound mobility to help clean up our community and make these areas safer and free from garbage and drug paraphernalia. So far, I have cleaned multiple locations, including the train tracks near Wellington Street West, behind SOYA, the Walmart and Staples parking lots, the bush area near St. Basil’s High School, the pathway used by residents of Breton Road, and behind Wacky Wings. I have done this both on my own and alongside friends, my fiancée, and other group members who have generously volunteered their time to help.

Although I have never asked for money for the work I do cleaning up our community, many people have encouraged me to start a GoFundMe to help cover the costs of supplies and expenses. Donations would go toward items such as gloves, grabbers, garbage bags, safety gear, rakes, high-visibility vests, dump run costs, food and drinks for volunteers, gas expenses, and any additional support needed as we continue working to clean up and protect our community.