Annual cleanup blitz held at Finlandia Village in Sudbury

On Thursday, seniors at Finlandia Village in Sudbury joined members of Community Living Greater Sudbury for a spring cleanup of the grounds as part of the annual cleanup blitz.

Jeanna de la Morandiere, Finlandia’s volunteer and cultural programs coordinator, said there was plenty of enthusiasm for the event.

“We’ve had folks out here since 8:30 this morning -- the event doesn’t start till 10,” de la Morandiere said.

“They’re sweeping and they’re raking and they just really want to be outside. The benefits of being outside, you know, are tremendous for everybody. And so it’s a way for us to stay active and have some fun, as well.”

This is the second year that members of the Skill Centre at Community Living have participated.

“I’ve done it before and really, it feels like every piece of garbage makes the planet more healthy,” said Nicola Sutcliffe, Community Living member.

“It’s kind of like every piece of garbage is making a better place and a cleaner place here. And I’m also here because of the pizza, obviously.”

The ground at Findlandia Village covers a large area, including walking trails, a garden and outdoor seating.

De La Morandiere said they are growing.

“We have independent living, assisted living, nursing home,” she said.

“We’re currently building an additional 32 long-term care beds, as well as apartment buildings. So that should be completed by the end of this year.”

The annual cleanup has been a staple at Finlandia for more than 10 years, with more than 50 people participating in Thursday’s event.