This Saturday (Oct. 21), the group is organizing a cleanup event from 1 to 3 p.m., starting at Galt’s Central Public School at 175 Main St. Volunteers are encouraged to dress in protective footwear and to bring a tool to pick up needles, as well as a plastic container with a lid.

The A Clean Cambridge Facebook group, launched by Virginia Maguire, grew so quickly that help was needed to facilitate the site.

Sherman accepted the challenge.

“I have five kids and I’m in college, and we’re busy all the time,” she noted, “but this is important, so let’s make time for it.”

Group members will take their message to city hall as part of a delegation set for Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. and the group welcomes others to attend as a show of support.

Their message and demand for action from the city has not fallen on deaf ears, maintains Susanne Hiller, director of communications at the city.

“We are certainly hoping to work together with the members of the group,” she told the Times. “Our end goal is the same; a safe and healthy city.”

The Community Outreach Task Force, which represents more than 25 groups and organizations across the region, was set to host its second meeting Friday (Oct. 20).

Hiller said city manager Gary Dyke planned to update members on steps already taken by the city to address needle issues.

Those changes include reallocating resources to assist homeowners and private businesses with cleanup of drug-related debris on private property. Previously, the city was responsible for cleanup efforts on city streets, parks and trails. Residents and businesses can contact city hall at 519-623-1340 for pickup and disposal.

The city is also trying to respond to calls on city and private property faster and more efficiently, Hiller said, by implementing a newer tracking system to reduce overlap.

City employees trained in safe disposal methods are actively patrolling local parks for needle debris and are willing to train members of the public. The city is also reaching out to connect with community groups to develop partnerships to expand collection efforts.

City staff supported members of the Ancient Mariner’s Canoe Club Oct. 10 for an annual fall cleanup along the Grand River, providing training and materials supports.

Easily identifiable yellow Sharps containers, designed specifically for safe collection of used needles, are also being made available.

Cleanup of drug debris is also a responsibility of the Region of Waterloo. Regional bylaw officers are tasked with disposing of needs found on public properties, streets and sidewalks.

Region of Waterloo Public Health also offers a free, clean needle kit supply program to prevent spread of infection caused by shared needles. The region, however, no longer offers a free needle exchange, which allowed users to return a used needle in exchange for a new, clean one.

The city of Cambridge is also preparing to install security cameras in the downtown core.