What were you doing at 11 o'clock this morning?

More than 600 registrants committed to picking up litter in sites across the city for an annual event, even if it was a few weeks later than usual.

The 20-Minute Makeover event is planned by the city and encourages businesses, organizations, schools and residents to spend a little time picking up the litter around the city.

“Really we want to bring the community together and have a collaboration to take some pride in how our city looks,” said Madison Zuppa, environmental initiatives co-ordinator for the city of Sault Ste. Marie.

Tracy Caicco’s Grade 5-6 class were selected to represent Riverview Public School at the Civic Centre event, with mirror events occurring across the city.

“As a former teacher it’s very gratifying to see young people out here motivated and getting involved,” said Ward 1 Councillor Steve Butland, who is involved through the city’s Green Committee.

“It’s literally happening all over the city and that’s also very gratifying,” he added.

Zuppa noted businesses like Essar Steel Algoma and organizations such as Algoma Residential Community Hospice (ARCH) committed to cleanup, as well as individuals interested in civic pride and beautification of the city.

For its first three years, the event was scheduled for 11 a.m. on April 22 for Earth Day, but this year was moved back due to weather.

Much of the ground was still covered in snow for the 2014 event.

Today’s rain didn’t discourage the kids involved in cleaning up the grounds surrounding the Civic Centre.

Zuppa said it is important to get kids involved at an early age

“As we teach them they will grow up to respect the environment,” she said.

(PHOTO: Michael Schrier and Ethan Graveline, students from Mrs. Caicco's Grade 5-6 class, pick up litter at the Civic Centre grounds for the 20-Minute Makeover event held Tuesday morning. Kenneth Armstrong/SooToday)