By Brendan Rees
Michaela may be only seven, but she is determined to clean up the community, one piece of rubbish at a time.
A joey scout with the 1st Cranbourne Scout Group, Michaela has been visiting various parks around the City of Casey picking up litter in her own time as part of her Promise Challenge, the highest achievement a joey scout can attain.
Whether it be rain, hail or shine, nothing stops this hard worker from getting out with her bucket and togs and wearing a “great big smile,” says Michaela’s mum Kirsti Gangi of Narre Warren.
“The first time we went out, it was early on a Saturday morning we went to Livvi’s Place in Cranbourne East and it was foggy as anything and she was there with her big jacket and she just loved it,” Ms Gangi said.
“I lost sight of her in the fog, and she’s there picking up all this rubbish with her tongs – she was having a great time.”
Michaela has already inspired others in her clean-up project and hopes more will join her.
“We’ve already had a couple of people who message me and said that they’ve seen what she’s done and gone out with their bags and tongs and picked up rubbish near their houses,” said Ms Gangi.
“It doesn’t cost anything I think it makes a big difference and it helps lots of people and animals all at the same time.”
Ms Gangi says in Michaela’s own words she decided to clean-up the environment “to help the community, and help animals, and help earth… and the neighbours.”
