Making Kamloops Shine.

If you thought that was merely a civic slogan, think again. Today is Day 2 of the KamClean Challenge — and residents across this fine city of ours are proving the above motto is more than just three words strung together.

They have pledged to pick up litter and remove graffiti from their storefronts, schools, parks and roadways this week as a matter of community pride and environmental stewardship.

Yes, they are doing it because it’s the right thing to do, not because they are getting paid.

The KamClean Challenge began on Sunday and ends this Saturday. It is a Communities in Bloom initiative, which started in 2004 as a beautification project connected to Earth Day.

How does a person participate?

It’s quite simple, really. All you need to do is commit to a spring cleanup of any area within the City of Kamloops. It can be a litter-strewn section of your neighbourhood or a particularly junky section of shoreline along the river. Maybe your storefront needs a good scrubbing. Maybe your parking lot needs a good sweeping. Or maybe it’s time to paint that unsightly graffiti scribble on the side of your office building.

The ‘what’ and ‘where’ of your cleanup doesn’t much matter. The fact that you’re doing it is what matters.

And you won’t be alone; City politicians will be out and about today cleaning up City Hall and various other locations. If you see them in action, offer a sincere thank-you. Even City councillors deserve a pat on the back for picking up garbage.

Better yet, join the effort before the week is out. Sign up at www.kamloops.ca/environment/kamclean and the City’s parks department will provide garbage bags, gloves and garbage disposal when you’re finished.

Do it because you want to and because it’s the right thing to do.