06.07.2020

Ask a 9-year-old what they'd like for their birthday or Christmas and their reply is likely to be something tech based or a fun (and inevitably loud!) toy.

However, kind-hearted nine year old Grace from Birchgrove, told her dad that this year she was asking Father Christmas for...a litter picker.

Gareth Wakeham, Grace's dad, says, "Grace told me that when we go for our walks she doesn't like to see the rubbish all over the floor and the damage it's doing to the environment."

"She said she'd like to take a litter picker with her and a rubbish bag in order to clean up on our walks."

With Grace's birthday falling at the end of June during lockdown, a birthday party with her friends out of the question, so her caring dad turned to Cardiff Council for help.

Gareth wrote an email toCouncillor Daniel De'Ath, The Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor of Cardiff, asking if he could help make his daughter's birthday a very special one, by providing a litter picker for her.

Councillor Daniel De'ath,The Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor of Cardiff, says, "Grace is a wonderful example of someone who, even at a young age, is making a huge difference in her community and a positive impact on our environment."

"Many thanks to Gareth, Grace's dad, for getting in touch.We hope that Grace had a great birthday."

He continues, "We are extremely proud and thankful to our residents and volunteers who give up their spare time to collect litter, especially at this difficult time."

"It is so unfortunate that a minority of people believe it is acceptable to litter and we are grateful to those of you who demonstrate that you Love Where You Live."

"I'd also like to extend our thanks to our Council's street cleansing teams and dedicated litter-pickers who continue to work extremely hard to keep Cardiff tidy."

Grace says, "I asked for the litter picker because I want to make the world a cleaner place.

"When I saw all the rubbish in parks and Cardiff Bay, I couldn't believe it. I shook my head at the photos and said "Why?""

"I hope people will take care as lockdown is starting to lift."

"Before lockdown, I did a speech about litter in school and I really wish others would just put rubbish in the bin instead of throwing it on the floor." 

Thank you for being such a fantastic Litter Champion, Grace. We hope you had a very happy birthday.

For the latest information on community groups and Litter Champions, please visit the Keep Wales Tidy websitewww.keepwalestidy.cymru. Further guidance on litter picking during the COVID-19 lockdown can be found on thewww.keepcardifftidy.comwebsite.