Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Silvia Senna

CLEAN THE BEACH

‘This is a labour of love’; City of Kamloops holds first Clean the Beach Day ahead of Earth Day

Apr 22, 2024 | 5:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — Monday is Earth Day — a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability, encouraging people to come together and take action for a healthier planet and brighter future. The City of Kamloops took it to heart and held its first Clean the Beach Day in Riverside Park on Sunday (April 21), when dozens of volunteers showed up for a special cause — keeping the city and the river clean.

“We are here as citizens of Kamloops, who really enjoy walking the beaches and enjoying all the city parks. We want to keep them clean for ourselves and for future generations,” said Sue Cane, one of the volunteers who attended the event.

“It’s wonderful when I see young families out here picking up litter together. They’re actually showing their children that it’s an important part of our community. Keep it clean,” added volunteer Carman-Anne Schulz.

According to organizers, the main reason the event was a success was because so many people care about their community.

“Based on the turnout that we’ve had today, I think that we’ll be able to clean up all the zones we identified on our maps, so that’s really exciting,” said Ty Helgason, the city’s Social and Community Development Supervisor. “We’re cleaning the beaches and making them more enjoyable gearing up for the summer and we’re also keeping waste out of the rivers and all of the ecology that that affects. [It’s a] really impactful event today.”

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And there was another goal the volunteers were trying to achieve.

“We really want to set an example for children. If they see the parks are clean, then they’re not likely to throw garbage around,” said Denise Caldwell.

“We need to share with our children that if they see something, pick it up and put it in the garbage — if it’s safe,” added Schulz.

Based on the number of young volunteers, that goal was accomplished.

“When you’re out in the parks, enjoying it, if you see any litter, pick it up, take it home,” Cane advised.

“This is not a labour of work. This is a labour of love. We’re helping our community look better. And it’s an important thing,” Schulz remarked.