ROB MURRAY: I’m speaking with Kylie McKendrick from Strides Canmore. This Sunday, it’s the 4th Annual Plogging event in Canmore. What exactly is plogging for those who aren’t familiar?

KYLIE MCKENDRICK: Plogging is an event that originated in Sweden, and it simply means to jog and pick up trash. Now it’s used around the world as community events to help clean up towns and cities and get people out while doing exercise.

RM: How did the first three years of plogging go? Has it been a popular event here in town?

KM: Yeah, it’s been really good. We had a few challenges with Mother Nature one year, and of course COVID last year. This year, we’re looking forward to getting it back to a one afternoon event and the weather it looks promising. We’re hoping to collect 1000 pounds of garbage as a community.

RM: COVID is still a thing here this year. What are the rules around that this year?

KM: We’re definitely taking it very seriously, Rob. We’ve extended the hours that the event runs this year from 12:00 to 5:00 PM. People can come anytime during those hours and everything will be done outside, so no in-store gathering. In years past we’ve had gatherings at Canmore Brewing Company afterwards, that will not be an effect this year. Canmore Brewing has graciously donated $5 coupons, so you can enjoy with your household at your own time.

RM: There are some other goodies that are being given away?

KM: We have a lot of door prizes. Solomon has stepped up to be a sponsor, so they’ll be there onsite handing out some door prizes, as well as 5Peaks. The winner of the plogging event this year, which means the most garbage, wins a free entry to the Golden Ultra. As well, Back At It Massage has graciously donated a massage, and Strides and lululemon. Will have some swag there for all ploggers.

RM: Do people drop by the store? Is there a registration process?

KM: No registration, just come on by, bring your friends and family. Again, COVID rules apply. Also this year, Banff lululemon has wanted to team up with us, so they will have plogging materials at their store as well. If you’re in Banff and you want to plog around Banff, head to lululemon, otherwise we’ll see you at Strides Canmore, anytime between 12 and 5, all materials are provided.

RM: You’ll be giving people garbage bags and the things they need to pick up trash? 

KM: Exactly. They don’t need to bring anything. We will have gloves and garbage bags and those picker-upper sticks.

Filed under: Banff, Canmore