A wide cross section of dedicated volunteers in Lake Country rolled up their sleeves to beautify one of their highly prized recreation corridors in the Central Okanagan Regional District's Community 20 Minute Make Over on Wednesday morning.
Waste Reduction Facilitator Rae Stewart says this is the eighth annual Community 20 Minute Makeover –an event designed to kick start Community Clean Up Month and to showcase how easy it is for anyone, anywhere to get involved.
“It’s extremely encouraging to see the huge community spirit from such a wide variety of Lake Country residents this year,” said Stewart. “A group of over fifty volunteers plan to clean up along the former highway now known as Pelmewash Parkway on the shores of Wood Lake plus Oyama Road.”
Volunteers from several groups took part including George Elliot Senior Secondary Environmental Sciences students, members of the Oceola Fish and Game Club, members of Walk Around Lake Country (WALC), students from Oyama Traditional School, Lake Country District staff, Gatzke Orchards, Interior Land Reclamation, the Fresh Outlook Foundation, Ruff n’ It Doggy Spa, and many more.
“Over the years, literally thousands of people have participated in 20 Minute Make Over and in Community Clean Up Month, from school groups to service organizations, church groups, families, co-workers, and friends. It’s always inspiring to see that level of commitment," Stewart added.
Mike Kamann, Volunteer Director with the Oceola Fish and Game Club says his group is proud to be part of this year’s Make Over along Pelmewash Parkway in Lake Country.
“Our organization has a long standing history of community involvement to protect, enhance and promote the wise use of the environment. The Club has a strong conservation ethic, and that’s why we’re very excited to be rolling up our sleeves and taking part in this clean- up. Our members have worked on a variety of habitat restoration projects to support our local kokanee fishery on Wood Lake.”
If you can’t manage a cleanup on Wednesday as part of the 20 Minute Make Over, you’re reminded the entire month of April is officially Community Clean Up Month. To arrange your own cleanup and get free litter bags and gloves, and arrange to have the garbage you collect picked up when you’re done, contact the Regional Waste Reduction Office at 250-469-6250.