Girl guides aim for record clean-up

Girl Guides are hoping this year’s discarded clothing will exceed previous efforts at Sydney’s annual City2Surf.

As runners threw off their excess garments, approximately 160 Girl Guides, aged between 5 and 14 hastily collected the items, scouring Hyde Park and its surrounds, which will be donated to The Smith Family.

Last year they collected over 6 tonnes of jumpers and pants, and with a record number of over 80,000 people partaking in the event, NSW Girl Guides PR Events Coordinator, Margaret Wood holds high hopes for this year’s outcome.

“We love helping The Smith Family by getting all the clothing we can get” she said.

The selling of the donated clothing will help disadvantaged families and their children by providing continuing support for their Learning for Life Programs.

“It is a really good cause,” said The Smith Family contract driver, Les Toth.

The Girl Guides showed enthusiasm, with some going to such lengths as climbing trees and poles to grab any items left behind.

Numerous parents involved said they were proud of the organisation’s ongoing commitment to the community.

“I think having a really cold morning makes you realise there are some people that don’t have warm clothes and that spend the night in the cold”, mum, Alison Stein said.

Many people in need will be grateful for their efforts and continuing support.

By Sophie Cousins