People in Terrace are once again rolling up their sleeves to participate in a long-standing community tradition.
On Sunday, April 27, the 44th annual Earth Day Community "Garb-a-thon" will be people community members together to spruce up the city, from the riverbanks to the streets.
The event traces up to 1985 when local merchants organized the first community clean-up. When the Greater Terrace Beautification Society (GTBS) was formed the following year, they took the reigns, helping run for it for the last three decades.
"Year after year, we’re blown away by the turnout,” says Tara Irwin, director of parks, recreation and culture for the City of Terrace. “This event is about pride in our community — making sure our streets, trails, and riverbanks are clean, safe, and beautiful for everyone.”
Over 250 people take part in this traditional annually and organizers hope to see even more volunteers this time.
"The Garb-a-thon really shows what is possible when the community comes together,” says Julia Hill Sorochan, executive director at SkeenaWild Conservation Trust. “I’m always inspired to see local businesses, organizations, and residents work side-by-side to make a difference.”
The event is hosted by the GTBS, SkeenaWild, the City of Terrace, the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine and The Steelhead Society of BC - Northern Branch.
To get involved, head to George Little Park between 12:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m. on the 27th to grab gloves and garbage bags. Volunteers can head out wherever they choose to collet garbage.
When people are done, they can return to the park to enter a prize draw and pick up a free McDonald's ice cream voucher as a thank you for their hard work. People can also RSVP on the official Facebook event page.
This year’s event is supported by Spotted Horse Farm & Nursery, Conservation Officer Service, Dairy Queen, Baker Extraordinaire, ABC Recycling, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, McDonald’s, and Environmental 360 Solutions Ltd., Pronto Towing, Ascent Coffee Roasters, Visit Terrace, Fish Tales, Boston Pizza and Terrace Off-Road Cycling Association.
