Santa, can I please have a litter picker?
What little eco warrior asked for in his letter to Father Christmas
AFOUR-YEAR-OLD community warrior “melted hearts” when he wrote to Santa asking for a litter picker for Christmas.
Ethan Raby’s father Arthur explained that it was all he wanted and requested if his son could join a Rossendale Civic Pride litter picking event.
Civic Pride group spokeswoman Janet Allcock told the Free Press: “Rossendale Civic Pride gets lots of messages of support and thanks on our Facebook page, which are all really appreciated.
“However, last week we received a special request which melted our hearts.”
Pride volunteers arranged to meet in Rawtenstall’s Whitaker Park with Ethan and his dad along with a very special visitor, Father Christmas – who gave Ethan his very important present.
He and Father Christmas then went to work clearing the litter around the top car park area.
Janet added: “He was so keen and enthusiastic, he soon collected a whole bag full. He and his dad now hope to go out and collect litter around their home and to join in helping Civic Pride activities.
“Ethan had drawn a special picture for us, and the family gave a donation which will be used to purchase more litter pickers for our volunteers.”
Civic Pride’s next Big Litter event is on New Year’s Day at 10.30am at Kay Street Car Park by the Post Office.
New and regular volunteers are all welcome to tidy up the litter in the town for the start of 2022.