Getting Our Hands Dirty (And Why You Should Too)
A few weeks ago, on a hot summer afternoon, Sumit and I set out to do something simple: join a community cleanup. What we got in return was so much more.
We had the privilege of meeting Bill Godfrey, the quiet force behind People Against Littering (P.A.L.) — a grassroots initiative built entirely on kindness, action, and an unwavering love for Brampton. Without fail, Bill and a network of growing volunteers hit the streets to clean up our parks, trails, and sidewalks. Not for glory or recognition. Just to leave the city better than they found it.
On a weekly basis, P.A.L. teams up with Concord in the City, a Brampton-based organization supporting adults with intellectual disabilities through skills training, job support, and a bold, beautiful vision: permanent housing.
Bill Godfrey & Wilma Colekessian with Concord in the City Program Attendees
We spent the afternoon walking, talking, sweating, and picking up litter. But what stuck with us wasn’t just the garbage we collected — it was the conversations. We spoke about momentum, burnout, barriers to inclusion, and the bigger picture: how do we build systems that empower everyone to thrive?
We watched how the Concord team showed up with energy and joy. The sense of purpose in the group was palpable. When they saw Bill and his longtime friend and fellow volunteer Wilma Colekessian arrive, their faces lit up — not because it was time to work, but because they knew they were part of something meaningful. We had the chance to meet and learn from Wilma too — one of PAL’s most dedicated volunteers — and left moved by her passion and wisdom.
Later, we met Kevin Troake, co-founder of Concord in the City. His mission is deeply personal: helping adults with intellectual disabilities gain independence, confidence, and dignity. "The number one question I hear from parents," Kevin told us, "is ‘What will happen to my child when I’m gone?’” That’s the heart of Concord’s work — building a future where that question has an answer rooted in hope, housing, and self-sufficiency.
From their daily program in Brampton, to the Concord Coffee Truck — a mobile café operated by program participants — to community yard work, food prep, and event volunteering, every initiative creates real-world opportunities and connection. And yet, they need more hands. Drivers to help transport the team to gigs. Supervisors to support them on job sites. People who believe in their mission.
As we wrapped up, Sumit and I felt something unexpected — a sense that, even with all the work we do in the community, there’s still so much more we could do. And that’s the beauty of service: it always reveals new ways to grow.
Left to Right: Bill Godfrey, Wilma Colekessian, Kevin Troake, Sumit Sharda, Gunjan Sharda
How You Can Help
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People Against Littering (PAL) is building a litter-free Brampton, one piece at a time. They’ve picked up over 3 million pieces of garbage, completed more than 200 cleanups, and rallied 425+ volunteers. But Bill’s goal isn’t to pick up trash forever — it’s to change the culture. To make littering socially unacceptable and civic responsibility the norm. He needs help with outreach, marketing, and building a stronger communication platform to inspire more residents to get involved. A newsletter. A streamlined volunteer process. It’s all within reach.
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Concord in the City is breaking barriers. Want to make a real difference? Hire the Concord Coffee Truck for your next event. Donate time to help supervise or transport their team. Share their story. Encourage employers to offer work placements. Small efforts can lead to life-changing opportunities.
Both of these organizations are doing the hard, quiet work of community-building — the kind that doesn’t make headlines but changes lives every single day.
If you’ve ever felt like you want to help but didn’t know how, start here. Lend your hands. Share their mission. Show up. And bring a friend.
Because sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do… is get our hands a little dirty.
