Shaunavon volunteers roll up sleeves for Sept. 29 Go Green effort

Posted on October 13, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

Shaunavon Standard

Local residents rolled up their sleeves Sept. 29 for the annual Go Green Shaunavon initiative, a community-driven campaign dedicated to beautifying the town.

Organized through a partnership between Stark & Marsh and the Town of Shaunavon, this year’s event drew roughly 70 volunteers who tackled a workload of painting, tree planting, and general cleanup projects across the community.

“Without you, this day simply wouldn’t be possible,” said Nicole Entem of the Shaunavon Stark & Marsh office, as she addressed the crowd of volunteers. “We truly appreciate each and every one of you for rolling up your sleeves and getting involved.”

The volunteer crew focused on building green spaces and restoration.

The team planted 30 new trees distributed along the TransCanada Trail, the Hillcrest Cemetery, and a section of 5th Avenue West.

Volunteers also restored and painted public benches and birdhouses along the trail and at the Shaunavon Dog Park.

General garbage cleanup and pruning were also conducted at several sites, including Memorial Park, Sunnynook Park, and the town’s main entrance.

Individual citizens worked alongside staff from local businesses, including the local Western Financial Group office.

Two classes of students from Christ the King School joined in some of the cleanup effort along the trail and the dog park and Sunnynook Park.

Town Councillor Lisa Schmit spoke at the event luncheon, although she actually, represented a trio of community groups: the Town of Shaunavon, Shaunavon KidSport, and the Shaunavon Communities in Bloom Committee.

“The Go Green initiative started by Stark & Marsh is a great annual community event with environmental and beautification bonuses for all of us,” said Schmit. “The legacy projects that have been left behind in Shaunavon over the past five years have been great. Getting all of these things done in one day is such a terrific effort and has left behind some great things in the community.”

The event also served as a fundraiser  for a local organization.

Each year, a Go Green community     luncheon barbecue selects a local

cause to champion. Entem announced that 100 per cent of this year’s barbecue proceeds would be dedicated directly to KidSport Shaunavon.

Schmit, who has been a member of KidSport since its local inception in 1997, thanked the crowd for their financial support during the luncheon and highlighted the local impact of the cross-Canada organization.

“The purpose behind KidSport is to get kids aged five to 18 off the bench and out onto the fields participating in sport,” Schmit explained.

“Sport is so important for things like skill development, making friendships, and learning life skills. If we can help kids with their registration fees and keep them active, it’s a great thing.”

Schmit emphasized that every dollar raised in Shaunavon for the KidSport program remains right in the community to support local families.

Following the lunch, she also provided updates on projects led by the Shaunavon Communities in Bloom Committee.