The final tally is in and it was a record-breaking year for Ecole West Park School's annual Cleanathon. The event sees grade four to six students collect pledges for cleaning up the town each spring and then donating that money to local non-profit, Blue Sky Opportunities.

"Our last record was in 2013 where we raised...almost twenty-three thousand," explains Blue Sky General Manager Richard Neufeld, but he says this year that number got blown out of the water when the kids turned in $28,000. "It was just unbelievable!"

In fact, this achievement was reached with less students participating due to slightly smaller enrolment numbers in recent years. "I feel it's the town, the citizens responding to Blue Sky and possibly the need for this new (recycling plant)."

Submitted photo. Brett Dick, grandson of the late Earl Dick, congratulates Jaxon Hildebrand, winner of this year's Rhineland Car "Lucky Jug"!"We are extremely grateful and humbled by the support of the community," noted Neufeld.

It appears that the annual Cleanathon provides winning outcomes for both the students of Ecole West Park School and Blue Sky Opportunities.

Neufeld says the students learn that they have a role in keeping their town clean and pushes them to take ownership of their community and become good stewards. "I think once you walk around and see all the garbage, it probably helps you with a future decision on whether you're going to litter or not."

Principal Al Jones agrees, saying the Cleanathon teaches the students about good citizenship and giving back to their community. He adds that the annual fund raiser provides an additional learning opportunity.

"Every year we also take our grade four students on a tour of the facility so that they can see the work they do and meet some of the people that they are raising money for, so it's a good chance for them to see who they're helping."

Neufeld adds in turn, this builds awareness for Blue Sky Opportunities and continues to add to its success.

Meantime, the winner of this year's Rhineland Car "Lucky Jug" was Jaxon Hildebrand. The "Lucky Jug" was introduced by one of the dealership's founders, Earl Dick, and is hidden somewhere in town along the cleaning route for one lucky student to find.  This year, it was hidden along 2nd Avenue NE.  Altona's clean and well kept streets were a great source of pride for Earl and, because community involvement was a huge priority in his life, son, Jim Dick is proud to continue honouring his legacy.

Jaxon received $25 to add to his pledge form totals and a $10.00 cash bonus to keep for himself.