On October 26, 2021, Kerrisdale Youth Leaders (Grade 8-12) collaborated with the Kerrisdale’s Girls Group (Grade 4-7) to organize an Arbutus Greenway clean-up project.
In an hour-long event, 11 Kerrisdale Youth Leaders and Girls Group members, accompanied by 2 City of Vancouver staff members, collected litter to clean the neighborhood from the Kerrisdale Community Centre to 51st Avenue.
The group of young changemakers, armed with trash pickers, gloves, and garbage bags, collected several bags of trash and recycling from the neighborhood. The amount of garbage collected was surprising. It was inspiring to see the amount of change a few hours of clean-up project can make on the environment.
According to the City of Vancouver Parks Board member, “It was great seeing Kerrisdale’s girls’ group share their experiences and passions with the youth leader group”. This event helped youth develop social connections, leadership skills, and a sense of community.
The Arbutus Greenway Clean-up is one of many examples of community projects that the Kerrisdale Youth Leaders and Girls Group organized. In the past, Kerrisdale Youth Leaders and Girls Group have organized talent shows, City Hall presentations, and bake sales.
Kerrisdale Youth Leaders and Girls Group will continue providing opportunities and resources that help youth develop leadership qualities and bring change in the community.