Introducing Keep Christchurch Beautiful Article by Linda Keall, Administrator, Keep Christchurch Beautiful
KCB is a branch of Keep New Zealand Beautiful, and a part of the city’s not-for-profit community. We have been around since the 1980s. Our Chair is Alexandra Davids, who is also Chair of KNZB.
environment; individuals collecting rubbish on walks; volunteers helping in schools; a business that has converted its vehicle fleet to electric vehicles among others.
Some of our projects:
We particularly value our connection with groups like Neighbourhood Support, the Council’s Graffiti Programme, Neighbourhood Policing, and many volunteering groups. These people do so much work in the community, it is a privilege to work alongside them. We work alongside Elissa in schools and collaborate on projects.
Our Schools Environment Enhancement Programme (SEEP) for primary/ intermediate schools is in its 27th year with 39 schools enrolled. The programme encourages schools to be litter free; monitor their recycling systems and acknowledges the work of their fantastic Caretakers.
We promote KNZB projects – Young Reporters for The Environment, Wall Wise, Paint NZ Beautiful, Plant New Zealand Beautiful, Chorus Cabinet Murals, Clean Up Week. KCB would like to develop more projects including one for preschools, further recycling schemes and a volunteers’ forum.
KCB runs its own Clean-Up events and supports others. At our last clean-up Murray and Elissa from Neighbourhood Support turned up to run a BBQ for participants, which was much appreciated. We have Clean-up Event Kits to lend out. We are moving to reusable bags and gloves where practicable so as not to add to the rubbish burden.
When people take action in and for their community, they ‘own’ it and feel safe there. When others see their communal areas cared for, they in turn feel safe and are often inspired to join in. KCB helps this upward spiral of community action which benefits us all. If you have ideas, want to join us, run a clean-up, just say hello – we’d love to hear from you.
We run various projects and work with many groups around the city, including NFPs, community groups, schools and regulatory bodies such as the Council.
We support volunteers, lending clean-up kits, paying dumping fees, collaborating with others and recognising their efforts annually at our Community Awards Ceremony. We acknowledge the great work volunteers do at our Annual Awards Ceremony - last year we awarded certificates to schools and caretakers for long service; students supporting the
You can reach us by phone (03) 940 9419 (message service only), email: tidykiwi@kcb.org.nz, or our Facebook page: Keep Christchurch Beautiful www.facebook.com/KCBNZ. Page 57
