Before and after contest cleans up in Rankin Inlet

A little outdoor clean-up could win a big prize in Rankin Inlet this month.

At stake are a Calm Air flight in the region, bicycles, three $200 gift certificates to the Northern Store, one of 50 handmade rubbish bins built by the Rankin Inlet healing centre, and more.

All a Rankin Inlet resident has to do is take part in an outdoor community cleanup. But there's one small catch: before and after photos of the cleanup must be submitted when registering for a shot at the prizes.

The competition was organized by the hamlet. Finance manager Kandace Graham credits community planner and lands officer Ashley Ymana with the idea, and the work that went into pulling it all together.

"We invited all community residents to participate," Graham said. "All one has to do to register is take a before and after photo and register their name at the hamlet office to be eligible for a prize."

Graham said June 25 is the designated community clean-up day in Rankin Inlet, but the contest will run until June 28 to encourage more participation — and a cleaner community.

And the plan worked.

"You could really notice it within our community," she said. "A lot of the yards [are] cleaned, even public areas, common areas within the community — they've been taking charge and not only sticking to their own yards, but cleaning up throughout the community in all different areas."

Graham said the contest is also a credit to those who made the prizes possible.

"We wouldn't … have these prizes if it wasn't for the support of local businesses within our community and the region."

The contest ends June 28. Winners will be chosen July 12.