Published in The BANAR June 2014
By Barb Sweazey
Our 14th annual Blackburn Spring Clean-up was a huge success this year. Held on the rain date, Sunday April 27, we had 160 Blackburn residents come and pitch in for the community event, along with about 20 loyal volunteers who help us each year. In total we collected more than 100 bags of litter, as well as an assortment of interesting “treasures” such as bicycles, construction signs and office chairs. It was a smashing success – thanks to all who participated!
This annual community event is only made possible by the support given so generously by others. In addition to all the residents that rolled up their sleeves to pitch in this year, there are a few individuals that should be thanked for the support that we count on each year in planning this event. In particular, a big thank you goes out to Shelley Seward-White and her team at the local Tim Horton’s for providing coffee, hot chocolate and timbits for all the volunteers. Also thanks goes out to Lynn Leduc for organizing her trusty BBQ crew and her dad Ken McEwen for donating his time and truck to circulate the neighbourhood picking up the leftover garbage bags. Each year Paula Rosenquist, BCA Environment Director, helps at the registration desk sending people off to locations throughout the Hamlet, and we are glad to have her help! Finally, a big thank you is extended to Councilor Rainer Bloess. This was his last Spring Clean-up “gig” in his current position. We have really been grateful for his support and prizes generously donated over all these years. We’ll miss his booming voice and his team spirit – but hope to recruit his assistance in the years ahead. Thanks Rainer!
Blackburn Hamlet looks a little cleaner once again – let’s keep it up all year long.