If you spot groups of people roaming Chemainus with garbage bags in hand and calling out “Happy Earth Day!” to passersby, you can thank Violet Wild.
The local cannabis retailer is bringing back its Chemainus Community Cleanup & BBQ for a second year, with the 2025 event taking place on Tuesday, April 22, Earth Day, starting at 10 a.m. outside the store.
Violet Wild co-owner Terra Maibach said the goal is simple: “Let’s leave our community better than we found it.”
Violet Wild will provide gloves and garbage bags to volunteers, who are invited to gather at the store before heading out to pick up litter throughout town. After the cleanup, participants are welcome to gather at Kin Beach for a free barbecue with hot dogs, hamburgers, salad and drinks as a thank-you.
While picking up garbage once a year won’t save the planet, Maibach said it’s a small act of community building that can have a much larger impact.
She’s right — there is evidence to support the idea that cleanups build stronger, safer places to live. Cleanup initiatives have been shown to improve neighbourhood well-being, not just in terms of appearance but also through increased local pride and social connection.
According to the City of Toronto's Environment and Energy Division's Annual Report, more than 200,000 people participate in Clean Toronto Together spring cleanups each year, helping to maintain parks, schoolyards, sidewalks and public spaces.
The City of Vancouver's Neighbourhood Cleanup Party program encourages residents to work together to care for their surroundings, fostering connection, community stewardship and a sense of safety.
This local effort by Violet Wild mirrors those broader goals.
Organizers hope to build on the momentum of last year’s event, which saw residents of all ages come together for some town spring cleaning. Whether you're a first-time volunteer or a returning participant, you're invited to join the effort, rain or shine, and help show Chemainus some love this Earth Day.
