As Earth Day approaches, Transition Kamloops, various action teams and our partners are gearing up to host a series of events aimed at engaging families and fostering a deeper connection to our planet. 

• Wednesday, April 17: Screening of movie 2040 at TRU at 7 pm, followed by panel discussion
• Saturday, April 20: Booth at Rally for Peace, Social Justice & the Environment, 10 am – noon
• Saturday, April 20: Repair Cafe at Heritage House, Riverside Park, 10 am – 3 pm
• Monday, April 22: Official launch of new stops on the Sustainability Stories audio tour 
• Saturday, April 27: Clothing Exchange at the Parkview Activity Centre from 1 pm to 5 pm

This first activity is a screening of the thought-provoking and critically acclaimed documentary 2040 on Wednesday, April 17 at 7 pm at the TRU Alumni Clocktower Theatre, as part of TRU Sustainability Office’s Films for Change series. 2040, written as a “visual letter” to the filmmaker’s four-year old daughter, is a refreshingly optimistic take―and an invitation to help create the world we want to see. It takes audiences on an inspiring journey to explore what the future could look like if we simply embraced the best solutions already available to us. This eye-opening film offers a hopeful vision for the future and empowers viewers to take action.  Admission is by donation. 

Immediately following the screening, community members are invited to participate in a panel discussion with local changemakers about what needs to happen in our city, what is already happening―and how to get involved. 

On Saturday, April 20, Transition Kamloops will have a booth at the Rally for Peace, Social Justice and Environment at the Kamloops Farmers’ Market (downtown at St. Paul Street) from 10 am to noon, featuring engaging children’s activities and fun quizzes for adults too. “By providing opportunities for children to learn and connect with these important issues in a hands-on way, we hope to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders and advocates,” says event volunteer Margaret Huff. In addition, organizers look forward to showcasing some of the music created by community members during the group’s recent eco-songwriting workshops.

Also, on Saturday April 20, another Repair Cafe event will take place from 10 am to 3 pm at Heritage House, located in Riverside Park. As always, skilled “fixers” will be on hand to help you diagnose and repair broken items, promoting the values of reuse and waste reduction while fostering a culture of community collaboration. 

Another activity suitable for the whole family can be done anytime. Earth Day, Monday, April 22nd, marks the official launch date of additional stops on the Sustainability Stories audio tours. Signage at all of the Sustainability Stories locations features a QR code, scannable with a smartphone, which links users to the website. Listeners can click on the audio and enjoy a 5-minute story at each site, walking or cycling between the stops. The newest stop on the North Shore tour features Kamloops’ first multi-family net zero building (at 288 Larch Avenue), which produces as much energy as it uses. 

“It was also important to us to showcase Secwe̓pemc knowledge keepers, so this year we have added story to the Downtown Tour on the Xget’tem’ Trail (Deep Valley Trail). It is based on an interview of elder Jeannette Jules conducted by Jessica Arnouse, TteS Language Coordinator at the time” says Jesse Ritcey, one of the project creators. This story is available in both the usual five minute version as well as a longer one suitable for listening to while walking the entire length of the trail. (Sustainability Stories are produced by the Community Alliance for a Resilient Kamloops, a loose collection of local non-profits and individual contributors).

Finally, Kamloops residents are invited to keep their clothes in use a little longer by swapping them at the Kamloops Clothing Exchange! The impacts of fashion on carbon emissions and pollution in the environment have been growing significantly due to fast fashion and the use of synthetic materials. By participating in a clothing swap, we can help slow down the impacts on the environment. The swap, supported by the Urban Systems Foundation, will take place on Saturday, April 27 from 1 pm to 5 pm at the Parkview Activity Centre on the North Shore.

“Earth Day is an opportunity for us all to come together as a community and take meaningful action towards building a healthier, more resilient future,” says Gisela Ruckert, one of the organizers at Transition Kamloops. “By joining us for these events, residents can learn, connect, and contribute to positive change right here in Kamloops. Every action we take now, big or small, counts towards building a better future for generations to come.”

Together, let’s make Earth Week a celebration of community, sustainability, and positive change!

Other Earth Week events happening (these are NOT connected with Transition Kamloops):

• Saturday, April 20: Rally for Peace, Social Justice and the Environment at Kamloops Farmers’ Market (Stuart Wood School area). Music and speakers: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 
• Sunday, April 21: Peace Vigil hosted by the Kamloops Shambhala Centre at #4-231 Victoria St. in Kamloops. It will run from 10am until 12pm. 
• Sunday, April 21: City of Kamloops hosts a Community Riverside Clean-up at Riverside Park (Sandman Centre side of the park). Time: 10 AM – 3 PM. Clean up in the first part of the day and community festivities in the afternoon
• Sunday, April 21: Clothing Swap at 260 3rd Ave, Kamloops. Event by The London Creative and Conscious Mamas Kamloops