When it comes to keeping White River clean, this community means business! Together, residents collected a total of 50,500 black bags as part of a town cleanup initiative led by The Power of 8000 White River Community Action Group.
White River, South Africa (10 March 2025) – In the heart of the White River community, the Power of 8000 White River Community Action Group (TPO8000) has ignited an incredible movement to keep its town clean and litter-free!
TPO8000 recently wrapped up its annual Black Bag Challenge, an initiative encouraging businesses and residents to donate black plastic bags for town cleaning efforts.
The community group relies on up to 120 black bags daily to line public bins and collect litter, making community contributions essential. This year’s goal was to collect 2,500 rolls of black bags, and the response exceeded expectations!
Lisa Gordon-Davis, spokesperson for TPO8000, shared that the challenge received overwhelming support from local businesses, community groups, schools, and individual households—even pre-schools joined in.
“Keeping White River clean is a shared responsibility, and this initiative allows everyone to contribute in a meaningful way. By donating black bags, individuals and businesses help maintain public spaces, promote civic pride, and support ongoing cleaning efforts. The enthusiasm has been incredible,” she added.
Throughout the challenge, businesses inspired one another with entertaining social media videos, and donations steadily increased. Local suppliers also stepped in to offer special pricing on rolls of black bags, encouraging even greater participation.
The final count reached 2,525 rolls, which is 50,500 black bags—an outstanding achievement showcasing community spirit!
Gordon-Davis credited the success to the creativity of social media manager Charleine du Toit.
“This initiative helps sustain our clean-up efforts, reduces reliance on municipal supplies, and fosters community ownership of public spaces. The stock of bag rolls should last about a year,” she said.
“All donated bags will go towards keeping White River clean, welcoming, and well-maintained,” Gordon-Davis said.
“A cleaner town not only benefits residents but also enhances local tourism and business, making White River a more attractive place to live and visit.”
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The Black Bag Challenge was a resounding success, demonstrating the power of collective action. While the official challenge has ended, ongoing donations remain crucial to sustaining these efforts and ensuring White River stays clean.
Community members can still drop off black bag donations at designated collection points around town, including selected businesses and community hubs.
Direct handovers to volunteers at scheduled collection events are also welcome. For more details, updates are available on TPO8000’s social media pages.
Sources: Supplied
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