Community pride is at an all time high in Sparwood after record participation in the town’s annual cleanup.
On Saturday, 89 volunteers armed with trash pickers, gloves and garbage bags combed the streets, parks and roadways for trash.
The District of Sparwood hosted the community cleanup with the support of Save-On-Foods and Teck Coal, which donated gloves and snacks.
Prior to Saturday’s event, about 500 teachers and students from local schools hit the streets, with another 48 people taking part in other cleanups.
“This is the best turnout yet I believe,” said District planning assistant Jessica Wheeler.
She was pleased to see so many businesses and families take part in the cleanup, which aims to encourage stewardship and pride in community. Volunteers also travelled from around the Elk Valley.
Leading the charge at the Sparwood Leisure Centre Playground on Saturday were 15 youth from 279 Elk Valley Air Cadets and 2757 PPCLI Fernie Army Cadets.
“One of the aims of the cadet program is to promote citizenship and leadership, to develop that in youth, so we participate in a number of community service events,” said commanding officer Captain Sherri Shaw.
“Getting the youth to be involved with their community and have a sense of pride of community is important to the cadet program.”