Clean Up Langley Day A Barnburner For Langley Rivermen

When the mitts come off, the gloves go on - the litter-picking gloves that is - and the players of the Langley Rivermen are ready to give back to the community by taking part in Clean Up Langley Day.

For the second year in a row, players, coaches, and staff of the Langley Rivermen Junior A Hockey Team will be participating in the litter pick-up event hosted by the Township of Langley. The eighth annual Clean Up Langley Day takes place rain or shine at various locations across the Township on Saturday, April 27, from 9:00am to 2:00pm, and families, individuals, businesses, and community groups are invited to join the team to help keep the Township beautiful.

“It’s a great way to get involved in our community and make sure everyone can enjoy the area as much as possible,” says Jake Livingstone, a defenseman with the Rivermen.

The team benefited so much from the camaraderie they experienced during their first Clean Up Langley Day, they also signed up for the Township’s Adopt-a-Program. As part of the program, the team now hosts regular garbage pick-ups along 208 Street from 40 to 44 Avenue, adjacent to their home ice at George Preston Recreation Centre.

While the Adopt-a-Program runs throughout the year and encourages single or ongoing efforts, Clean Up Langley Day is a one-day event in which all levels of participant ability and commitment can be put toward tidying up the Township.

Last year, volunteers collected 1,960 kilograms or 4,321 pounds of trash from Township of Langley public spaces – more than 1,000 pounds more than the previous year. While attendance was up, this year organizers are hoping to see even more residents pitching in to collect trash from the Township’s streets, streams, parks, and trails.

Alec Capstick, the Rivermen’s team captain, notes it doesn’t take long for a little elbow grease to make an impact. He recounts noticing a difference within the first twenty minutes of his team’s first cleanup. With it being so simple and effective, he encourages every resident to get involved if they can.

“This is our home and this is where we live, we want to keep it clean,” Capstick said. “And for us, getting out and showing that we care about the community we play in is good for our team. We’ll keep doing it, year after year.”

All necessary supplies, such as garbage bags, gloves, safety vests, and garbage pickers, will be supplied by the Township to those who register for Clean Up Langley Day in advance. To take part, register at tol.ca/cleanup by Friday, April 19. For more information, email adopt@tol.ca or call 604-532-7300.