Sunday, September 30th: Our Greater Vancouver General Manager, Alex Elsey, participated in the Triangle Beach Cleanup in Richmond, BC hosted by the 4 Wheel Drive Association of British Columbia. They were able to clean up multiple truckloads of material in only a few short hours with the help of all the other volunteers.
A large amount of this material is from the growing issue of illegal dumping, which carries a minimum fine of $1000. One interesting thing that people might not be aware of is that the City of Richmond offers $200 reward for any information leading to a conviction of illegal dumping. Let’s keep supporting more create events and organizations like this!
Read more about Alex’s experience below:
4 Wheel Drive Association of BC
Alex Elsey: When I was first approached by Blaine Davies to be a part of the Triangle Beach Cleanup initiative, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. After speaking with Blaine, and understanding his passion for the area, I knew it was something that my company had to be a part of. Being the General Manager of 505-Junk Richmond/Vancouver, it’s important to me that we help out in the communities we serve.
Blaine is a member of the 4 Wheel Drive Association of British Columbia. This group acts as a steward and advocate for the public use of public lands. They clean, build and maintain public lands for the use of themselves and others. This isn’t the first organized cleanup by this group, and it certainly won’t be the last! When I arrived on Sunday, I was amazed at how organized the operation was. There were easily 40+ people that were ready to lend a hand. The 4 Wheel Drive Association of BC provided everyone with lunch, BCAA provided a washroom, and Starbucks Tsawwassen provided all volunteers with much needed coffee on a cold, rainy day.
Let the work begin!
In a flash, the work started. There were numerous pickup trucks making runs, and collecting debris from the shoreline and surrounding ecosystem. The amount of material they removed was shocking. With the help of Byron Talbot and his excavator, we were able to remove a couple large discarded pieces of garbage from the shoreline. Though it was cold and rainy, everybody’s spirits were high as they all did their part to clean up an area that clearly needed some attention.
Every piece of material that was gathered was not put there by nature. It had all been left there by humans. The only way we will see improvements is by creating and participating in events like this. I did not organize this cleanup, but I was very proud to be a part of it. I’d like to congratulate the 4 Wheel Drive Association of BC on a job well done. I’m reminded of a great quote by Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”Related post: South Delta Shoreline Cleanup