Draft:LAGER Can

LAGER Can is a community-led environmental group established in 2017 in Ealing, with a primary focus on organised litter picking activities. The name "LAGER Can" is an acronym derived from "Litter Action Group for Ealing Residents."

History
LAGER Can was founded by Keith Freegard with the aim of making the London Borough of Ealing’s open spaces cleaner and greener by removing litter and fly tipped waste. Motivated by a shared concern for the environment and a desire to take tangible action, the group began organizing regular litter picking events open to volunteers from the local community.

Activities
LAGER Can organizes various litter picking events throughout the year, inviting volunteers of all ages and backgrounds to participate. These events typically involve picking up litter from public spaces such as parks, streets and waterways. The group provides necessary equipment such as bags, and litter pickers.

Partnerships
LAGER Can collaborates with Ealing Council and other local authorities, environmental organizations, such as Thames 21, and other stakeholders such as the Canal & River Trust as well as businesses, schools and youth groups.

Impact
Since its inception, LAGER Can has made significant strides in raising awareness about litter pollution and mobilizing community members to take action. Through its collective efforts, the group removed 87,371 bags of litter in the space of 30 months. The group has around 2,000 members.

LAGER Can has been cited twice in Parliamentary debates. In June 2021 the group was mentioned in a debate on the Covid-19 Community Response. In April 2023 LAGER Can was cited as an example in a Parliamentary debate on the growing importance of Litter Action Groups.

Award
In 2021 LAGER Can received a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. The award was collected by founder Keith Freegard and Chair Cathy Swift in a ceremony at Westminster Abbey. On 7 December 2023, LAGER can was among the groups that met with King Charles III on his visit to Ealing.


 * LAGER Can Official Website