The Kootenays pitching in

Cleaning up can be a team-building activity. — Catherine Yeulet/Photos.com

As residents of the Kootenay region, we enjoy some of the most beautiful surroundings in the world—that’s one of the advantages of living here. As businesses that care, it’s in our best interest to safeguard the beauty in our areas and communities.

Pitch-In Canada is a national initiative dedicated to cleaning up our country. Starting in 1967, a week-long event was held by concerned citizens in Victoria, B.C. Pitch-In week is now annual and, in 2013, is taking place April 21-27.

Currently, there are over 622,000 volunteers that participate with Pitch-In Canada every year through local and environmental action projects of varying length. Projects can range from annual events to year-long sustainable programs. We focus on the cleanup of business and commercial areas, wildlife areas, parks and ravines, schools and neighbourhoods, highway/roadside, sports fields, shoreline and waterways and nature and recreational trails. -Pitch-In Sponsorship package

Many Kootenay communities are participating in Operation Clean Sweep in 2013, which includes picking up litter. Some offer free garbage bags and promotional materials to volunteers. This is a good opportunity to show that your business cares. Contact your community to find out how you can get involved. Some community resources include Kimberley, Cranbrook and the Columbia Valley, although any business can jump in and clean up the area they call home.