With Earth Week just wrapping up, “it feels good to look back at the photo submissions and crunch the numbers from the Co-Community Cleanup,” notes Andrea Chapman of Wildsight Kimberley Cranbrook.
Over 1,000 participants came together to rejuvenate local neighbourhoods, green spaces, and shared public areas—a collaborative effort that reflects the strength of our community spirit.
A Successful Spruce Up
High numbers were largely driven by local schools and organizations that rose to the challenge. This year, 21 groups and individuals registered to spruce up Kimberley and Cranbrook during the work week.
Cranbrook participants included Sunrise Rotary Club, Silver Path Financial Solutions, Laurie Middle School, Salamander Nature School, Kootenay Orchards Elementary School, Cranbrook Embers, Fresh Start Collaborative Society, and Parkland Middle School.
Participating groups in Kimberley included Kimberley Alpine Resort, Heartwood, Lindsay Park Elementary School, McKim Middle School, Kootenay Savings Credit Union, and Purcell Collegiate.
The automatic entry prize winners were Cranbrook Embers in Cranbrook, and Greg H. in Kimberley, who both won 1 hour of service at Kootenay Computers and 1 hour of bowling for 6 people at Encore!
Friendly Competition at the Saturday Rally
On Saturday, April 25, smiling faces and vibrant colours filled the Centennial Centre parking lot in Kimberley. A total of 77 participants—plus a few canine friends—came out with flair and enthusiasm to finish the job.
With three photo prize categories and a door prize, a little friendly competition added to the excitement in the air. Photo submissions came in steadily throughout the three-hour cleanup. Organizers are pleased to announce that Poppy A. won the door prize; Michele B.’s Team won ‘Most Unique Trash’ with a pristine pair of roller skates; the Trash Pandas won ‘Most Colourful Team’; and Lisa M.’s Team won ‘Largest Piece of Trash’. Interestingly, the largest item was recovered along the Mark Creek Lion’s trail and included many pieces of an abandoned car—a fixture that has been on the trail for many years.
That’s A Wrap
Cleanup efforts have made a visible difference across both communities. As Chapman reflects, “It continues to amaze us as to how the trash seems to build up each year. We hope that as more people see the pride and effort of our participants, that domino effect will inspire more people to care for the environment around us, be it a roadside, park, or trail.”
A heartfelt thanks is in order from all four partner organizations: the City of Cranbrook, City of Kimberley, Mountain Phoenix Community Culture, and Wildsight Kimberley Cranbrook.
In addition to the partners of this event, prizes and/or services were graciously donated by GFL Environmental Services Ltd., BC Ambulance Service, Kootenay Computer, Our Place Restaurant, Kootenay Savings Credit Union, Olivia Loren Photography, Encore Brewing, Kimberley Golf Course, Kimberley Alpine Resort, and the Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies.
This annual event will return to Cranbrook and Kimberley next year, so mark your calendars for Earth Week 2027. Until then, let’s continue to pitch in, do our part, and keep our communities clean!
