As a recent resident of Bowen Island, I was captivated by its beauty and pristine landscapes.
However, litter, bottles, and cans were scattered amongst the ditches and trails. I found it very upsetting but also saw an opportunity to arrange a community clean up. I could meet my neighbours and we could all join in to clean up our island. In researching the best way I could accomplish this objective, I was told about the program for Neighbourhood Small Grants. In the process of applying I communicated and collaborated with the municipality, the library, and several members of the Bowen Island Facebook community.
In accordance with the grant and municipality requirements I advertised on social media, arranged for safety vests to be customized for purchase, attended training, advertised in The Undercurrent (our island newspaper), and chatted back and forth with many prospective volunteers. Unfortunately the timing was never quite right. We did a practice run on July 10, 2024, the hottest day of the year, and collected a lot! Barb MacDonald, and Tim King, my partner, were my volunteers. In accordance with dates provided by other potential volunteers, we picked September 10, 2024 as the “real deal” but, again, only Tim King and Barb MacDonald joined me. However, Tim and I made a new friend and Barb introduced us to Michael, who was willing to take the recyclables to Vancouver for charitable distribution. Barb was the unexpected, but happy recipient of a $100.00 gift card for spending at the Bowen Pub.
Comments before, during, and afterwards, suggested that residents routinely pick up trash and I did get to know a few more people. The vests will be donated to the library and available for use for further clean ups in 2025 and, hopefully, thereafter.
