Happiness is a Clean Street

Communitas Supportive Care Society, located at 1423A – 16 Avenue, Campbell River, BC, is the newest volunteer cluster of Adopt-a-Block. 

Mordecai & Rigby approved

The group’s enthusiasm for cleaning the sidewalks and boulevards in their area can be witnessed as often as they see the need, sometimes weekly. The trash deposited by passersby is what they are looking for and when its located,  the dedicated cluster of like-minded devotees go to work. They take up their trash pickers, gloves, garbage bags, visi-vests and street smarts to improve the area in that part of Campbell River. Perhaps the trash-tossers will become aware of the benefit of a tidy place to live, work and play.

Volunteers are thoughtful citizens

 When you are walking, biking, driving, skateboarding or exploring in that district, give the friendly volunteers a wave or bring along your trash tongs, ask them for a bag (donated by the City of Campbell River) and chip in. What fun!

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. ~ Margaret Mead

The Tree of Joy and Radiance

Grayson, Susan, Anne, Robin

The exquisite faces of family and friends radiate joy and contentment from the place where we’ve gathered to enhance a paper birch tree. It lives on a boulevard in Campbell River, behind the curling rink facing Dogwood Street.

Grayson removes trash

On this light-filled day, young Grayson removes the discarded trash from the area, while Pat, a dedicated admirer of nature, sits crossed legged on the earth tugging at invasive plants. Robin, an artist, pours soil on the exposed roots while Anne, a gardener, detaches several large obstructions protruding from the ground. I set the picnic table with food and refreshments, and acrylic paints for later. With dogged determination the crew brings splendor and magnificence to the once straggly-looking white birch.

Bonnie gets a makeover

Several years before, we had adopted and named the tree Bonnie the Birch. Initially, her solitary sentinel-like posture called out to us. She looked abandoned and in need of tender, loving care. It didn’t takes us long to tend to her with nutrients, fresh soil, compost and a power-drink comprising of natural enhancement ingredients. Within a few weeks she exuded a glow that gave off an interesting sparkle during the sun-lit hours. Together, throughout the seasons, we’ve dedicated ourselves to her well-being.

Today, our visit with this attractive natural being brings radiance and joy to our hearts. The brightness and warmth from the sunbeams caress our bodies as we bend and stretch to reach all parts the patient recipient. Grayson speaks to Bonnie like a friend and tells her that she’ll be really happy now that we’re looking after her. I imagine she would whinny like a horse, nuzzle like a dog, or purr like a cat if she had the capacity. I take her branches waving in the slight breeze to be her thank you to all of us. Our final touch to the tree’s newest makeover was painting the rocks at her base. She looks settled, satisfied and attractive. Bonnie and her offspring lovingly referred to as Bert and Bertha, belong to all of us. 

A tree brings friends together