Dean Daly, Operations Manager at blue self storage takes us through the day…
On Friday 4th August blue self storage and guests undertook an event with a difference. We arranged a Pick n’ Mix, not your traditional Pick n’ Mix from Woolworths, but a combination of a litter pick and a networking event. See what we did there?!
The event meshed litter picking and networking, giving participants an opportunity to mingle with fellow businesses while making a positive impact on the local environment. The outcome was not only a cleaner space but also strengthened connections and a newfound sense of community.
Pick…
A purposeful endeavour
We chose Newlands Road just outside Wentloog Corporate Park, an area renowned for high levels of litter and fly-tipping activity. The event was in conjunction with Keep Wales Tidy, who provided all the assistance, advice and equipment needed to ensure the event was completed safely.
Invites were sent out to all customers, sister companies and other stakeholders on site with details of the date and a promise to provide refreshments and food for all participants. The event was well attended with lots of people getting involved, and thankfully, the weather stayed dry! With our hi-vis vests on and pickers at the ready, we set off to clean up the area.
Making a difference
We collected around 25 bags of rubbish and even picked up a few questionable objects! All metal objects, mainly nitrogen oxide canisters, which were donated to the Cardiff Rivers Group – a volunteer organisation that consists of over 750 volunteers who work tirelessly to tackle litter and waste on paths near rivers, streams and ponds. The metal is sold as scrap and the funds raised are put towards combatting this issue.
Fly-tipping is something many decent people struggle to understand, why would anyone disregard their rubbish in public areas begs belief?! Particularly as many local authorities offer free disposal at their recycling centres. This event provided an opportunity not only to clean up such areas but also to raise awareness about responsible waste management.
…n’ Mix!
After the collection took place, we made our way back to Wentloog Corporate Park to wash our hands and freshen up. Luckily the eagerly awaited ice cream van and Italian street food vendor were at hand waiting to feed everyone.
With some fantastic authentic Puglia street food from Franco, our resident food trailer customer, the deep-fried Panzerotto went down a treat. Many people opted for the Fabio Mancini, a delicious Panzerotto made with San Marzano tomato sauce, mozzarella, caramelised onion, goat cheese and nduja (spicy Italian sausage) – we can confirm this is as delicious as it sounds!
This was followed by a delicious ice cream from another customer at Wentloog Corporate Park, a good old-fashioned 99 that was the go-to for most people.
A voice from the crowd
Seeing old and new faces chatting and exchanging numbers and business cards was lovely. Gareth Davies, Pest & Property Solutions summed up the event perfectly, stating, “It was a great event, lovely to help clean up the local area but also nice to catch up with some new contacts over lovely food provided by blue self storage. I look forward to the next event!”
To finish the evening, every guest was given a bag of Pick n’ Mix to take home for their kids.
Many people expressed an interest in making this a regular event. If you would like to get involved in the next event, please contact us or follow us on social media for more details.
Finally, we’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who gave up their free time to help a great cause, together we can really make a difference!
