Two Kamloops teens are putting dreams of a clean hometown into action

KAMLOOPS – Two Kamloops teens are tired of seeing their local parks and rivers covered with litter and are taking matters into their own garbage bags.

Maia Gillard and Shain Konrad have been friends throughout high school, and will soon be parting ways. Before then, they want to give their neighbourhood of Westsyde a fresh look.

Gillard says she often goes down to Centennial Park to walk her dog and began filling plastic bags with garbage during her walks about two years ago.

“It just shocks me how much garbage and litter is left around,” Gillard says. “It gets swept (into) the water eventually, and then it's lost forever.” 

Gillard attempted to organize a similar cleanup with friends but found it difficult due to conflicting work and school schedules. When she and Konrad got on the idea, they knew they wanted to make a noticeable impact on the area.

“We were talking about wanting to make a difference and actually do something for the environment,” Gillard says. “Our generation is so big on keeping the environment clean and we can sit here on our phones and see the progress that others are making, but that doesn't change anything within our own community. If we just put a little effort into this idea, who knows where it will go.”

Gillard and Konrad are welcoming anyone who is willing to participate to join them at Westsyde Centennial Park on Aug. 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gillard says that 10 to 15 friends have committed to the cleanup, and notes a Facebook post she made is gaining traction. The two will provide water, garbage bags, fruits and vegetables, and likely gloves. Gillard encourages people to bring sunscreen and extra garbage bags, gloves, and water.

“It’s not all big, massive garbage, there are little nails and cigarette butts and gum wrappers. People don't really think about that stuff because it's little,” Gillard says. “It’s pretty gross sometimes, it’s unfortunate, and it’s kind of shameful.”

Konrad will be heading out to live on Vancouver Island at the end of the month, while Gillard stays to study locally. Gillard says if the event is successful, she will organize other clean up events around Westsyde and the rest of the city.

If you’re interested in joining in on the clean-up efforts, you can check out this Facebook page for more information.

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