August 17th, 2025, 6:30pm MDT
The normally quiet trail at West Hills Park in Victoria, British Columbia lived on May 24th with the sounds of rake rubbing, shovel digging, gloves pulling and happy chatter from neighbors.
According to the Church’s Canadian newsroom, she joined the church on Saturday as a sweat, smile and part of service with over 200 members and shares in Latter-day Saints Church at the Church of Jesus Christ in Victoria British Columbia. In partnership with the Langford Residents Association, Langford City and Firesmart BC, The Stake has organized a massive cleanup that reduces the risk of wildfires, protects the parks and benefits the community.
Celebrate through service
Church members and local residents joined forces to clean up invasive plants and debris that range from 8,000 cubic feet from the park, including brooms, blackberries, gooses, wood and metal. Jeff Byam, president of the Langford Residents Association, estimated that around 115 pickup trucks have been removed.
“We are truly honored to be able to work with our organization and the city of Langford on this service project,” Byam said. “The church’s involvement in this volunteer event speaks volumes about its commitment to community service.”
Byam told church news that one of the major challenges facing the association is promoting cleanup events and securing time from a busy schedule for volunteers. He was excited to see the community respond with Victoria Stake Activity Director Richard Parnell for the cleanup in late May.
“The event (in May) with over 200 volunteers from the Latter-day Saint Church of Jesus Christ was on top,” Byam said. “Absolute teamwork and results. Very memorable.”
Church member Melanie Faganello expressed similar feelings.
“This gives me a unique opportunity with all the other volunteers who will guide my beliefs into action,” said Sharon Broadwood, a church addiction recovery specialist.
“It feels good to make a difference,” said Church member Leanne Lyle.
Parnell thanked BYAM for making the day of service possible, suggesting the possibility of stake participation in future cleanup events.
“It’s sparking debate about the need for us to do this more often,” Parnell said.
The generation of “faith in action”
Following the cleanup, volunteers and community members gathered for lunch and programmes a video highlighting the history of the church on Vancouver Island, as well as messages from Elder Mark A. Bragg, authorities 70 years old and president of Western North America, as well as messages from M. Travis Wolsey, a local Canadian region. Both encouraged participants to continue their service and look forward to the upcoming construction of the Victoria British Columbia Temple.
Gary Anderson, president of the Victoria Stake, commented that through the celebration he saw “faith in the behavior of generations” and that he felt a sense of belonging when they served in the community together.
