The volunteer raking event at Kaivopuisto Park will take place on Sunday 1 November. The event starts at 11.00, and all Helsinki residents are welcome to attend.
There is a sense of wistfulness in the air, as the traditional volunteer raking event is now being held for the last time. The traditional volunteer event is coming to an end due to the fact that advanced methods will enable the work to be carried out quickly and efficiently in future, with fewer staff.
Attitudes towards fallen leaves have also changed, as they are now seen as part of the natural cycle. Where possible, leaves are nowadays left on the ground, where they act as a soil improver, increase humus levels and supply nutrients to the soil. However, in Kaivopuisto Park, fallen leaves are still removed to some extent in preparation for the spring May Day celebrations. Decaying leaves and May Day rubbish are a bad combination, because of which not all of the fallen leaves in Kaivopuisto Park can be left on the ground to decay.
Volunteer raking events have been held at Kaivopuisto Park for over 20 years. In addition to being an effective way of clearing the park of leaves, the volunteer events have also fostered community cohesion and inclusion.
“Above all, the participants have wanted to do their bit and be of help. As leaf-raking is no longer a task that requires significant resources from the City, it is time for us to find new ways in which we can make the most of residents’ initiative. Other ways to help the environment include volunteer work against invasive alien species,” says the City of Helsinki’s project manager Armi Koskela.
The City also organises other volunteer activities on a regular basis. You can read more about them on the City’s volunteering website(Link leads to external service).
Tools and hot drinks available for volunteers
The raking will begin at the location marked on the map below, to the south of Kaivohuone. You can also recognise the spot in Kaivopuisto Park by the green Helsinki tents. Volunteers will be given on-site guidance on leaf-raking. The City will provide the necessary tools, but it is a good idea to bring your own gloves. The first 120 volunteers will also be provided with light snacks and hot drinks. Come and enjoy raking and the spirit of working together!
The volunteer raking event is organised in collaboration between the Urban Environment Division and Stara.
