Under bright blue skies and warm spring sunshine, students from École West Park School spread out across the community Friday afternoon for the 36th annual clean-a-thon in support of Blue Sky Opportunities.
Crews of students from West Park School were bused to locations throughout Altona to clean up trash as part of the school’s annual clean-a-thon in support of Blue Sky Opportunities
What began as a simple school project more than three decades ago has grown into one of Altona’s most recognizable spring traditions, combining community cleanup efforts with fundraising to support adults living with intellectual disabilities.
“This is Blue Sky’s biggest fundraiser that we do,” said executive director Ryan Potter. “To date now we have raised just over $600,000.”
Each year, students gather pledges before heading out to clean streets, boulevards, parks, back lanes, and ditches throughout town. This year’s fundraiser—raising an estimated $38,000 and counting—will help Blue Sky purchase a new vehicle for its supported independent living department.
Potter says funds raised through previous clean-a-thons have helped fund a wide range of projects and improvements over the years, including AED machines for every Blue Sky location, kitchen renovations, roof replacements, and the purchase of a 15-seat passenger accessible van.
“We’re funded by the government, but we don’t get the full amount,” he explained. “So this fundraiser really helps us with those extra things that improve quality of life.”
Students are also rewarded for their fundraising efforts, with Chamber Bucks handed out to participants and tablets awarded to the highest dollar amount raised and the greatest number of pledges collected.
For Potter, the event is about more than fundraising.
“I think it’s extremely important,” he said. “Not just because it’s a good cause, but also for them to understand the importance of keeping their community clean and showing how big of a difference it makes.”
Councillor Perry Batchelor, who attended the event on behalf of town council, reflected on the initiative’s long-standing impact on the community.
“Blue Sky is a critical part of our community, helping those with disadvantages,” he said. “The students have raised a lot of money through this initiative over many, many years.”
Batchelor, who previously served as Altona’s police chief, noted that he has been involved with the clean-a-thon in various ways for more than a decade, including helping deliver safety briefings before students head out into the community.
“The second point is that they do a fantastic job of cleaning up our community after the snow has melted,” he said. “Unfortunately, people still litter, and these students do a great job of cleaning things up.”
Batchelor said events like the clean-a-thon help teach students the value of community involvement at a young age.
“It’s not only an opportunity to miss an afternoon of school and get a hot dog at the end of it all,” he said with a laugh, “but also an opportunity to get involved with community spirit and a community event.”
The beautiful weather helped make Friday’s event especially enjoyable, as groups of students could be seen laughing, collecting garbage, and working together throughout the afternoon.
