ACCESS Alliance volunteers work hard to help clean up Chinatown, which helps keep the community safe. A study found that people were twice as likely to steal money when surrounded by litter and graffiti, compared to a cleaner environment. Swiftly cleaning up graffiti vandalism therefore discourages street crime.
An Artist’s Sacrifice
Sprawling over the walls of buildings are delicate portrayals of an artist’s vision. These murals vary. Some focus on capturing our city in one glance, while others reflect the city’s unique cultural heritage, celebrating its diverse immigrant ancestry. Regardless of what they emphasize, each mural represents an artist’s sweat, dedication, creativity, and thought towards a particular vision and the hope that we too can appreciate it. Hence to respect what these brilliant souls do for us, it is essential that we remove graffiti, keep the walls clean, and thus preserve them. In doing so, we fulfill the artist’s wishes by giving more people a chance to appreciate what they do for us. Hence why the Alliance of Calgary Community Ethnic Support Society (ACCESS) is so deeply committed to removing Chinatown’s graffiti.
Keeping the Streets Clean
The world consists of snowballs, actions that when gaining momentum culminate into something much larger than themselves. A clean street is not simply a smooth sidewalk void of litter and dust. Rather, it provides a safe-haven, letting individuals know that they are welcome and safe. Telling on-coming onlookers that they can explore freely. Hence when it comes to keeping our community clean, we do not stop with the graffiti but push further to make it all spotless.
The Local Businesses that Devote Themselves to Us
Calgary’s Chinatown is packed with unique and vibrant commerce, whether it is spicy hot-pot, chilling desserts, or oriental art. However, what they all have in common, despite their uniqueness, is that they work hard to provide both an enjoyable and memorable experience. Hence to show our appreciation, it is crucial that we protect these businesses from degrading vandalism.
ACCESS and the Commitment to Cleaning
In ACCESS, we understand that cleaning is not simply about tidiness. Rather, it is also about respecting and welcoming. Hence, it brings a smile to our face, when we see volunteers join the initiative, knowing that in doing so they make Chinatown that much better.