Paving the way – Hillcrest resident promotes cleanliness
Terrence Cooke inspires civic responsibility through roadside clean-up.
ONE road at a time – Terrence Cooke has committed himself to clean the roads in his neighbourhood.
Armed with a spade and a rake, the Hillcrest resident picks up litter, clears verges and cuts overhanging trees.
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“I do it mostly on weekends. I spend a few hours cleaning up, and sometimes it takes me a few weekends to finish just one road. We do not have to live in filth – we cannot always wait for the City to clean up. I just do it because I want to, and it gives me some fulfilment when I see the place looking lovely and clean.”
Cleaning up the street, he says, gets him out of the house and into nature.
“I work on weekdays so being out in nature clears the mind. I can compare what I do with going to the gym, keeping fit and beautifying the neighbourhood at the same time,” he said.
His dedication has attracted more residents to get involved and do their part to uplift the area.
“Imagine if we can all do this in our neighbourhoods – we can make a difference in our communities and leave a legacy for our children and grandchildren,” he said.
Cooke added that you can do a lot of good with just a spade and a rake.
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