There is a growing movement underway to reduce the amount of waste clogging landfills but for some people it is not happening quickly enough.
To that end, a group of local people have once again organized Penticton’s participation in the annual, world-wide Great Cloth Diaper Change.
Promoted by Guinness World Records, this year’s event is April 26 with an estimated 10,000 people in 20 countries at 316 sites, 34 in Canada including Penticton, putting cloth diapers on bums for a change.
Participants locally are asked to arrive at McLaren Arena about 10 a.m. for the two-hour event.
But there will be much more happening than just changing diapers, according to organizer Jennifer Morison, who owns the Big Blue Frog and will be supplying new cloth diapers for the event for those who require them.
“The idea is to just bring awareness globally to the benefits of cloth diapering and to aid other organizations and Third World countries,” said Morison.
“Every site does them (diaper change) differently, some sites hook up with health fairs or Earth Day celebrations but we just started doing it here as a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club and community involvement.
“The best part: you don’t even have to use cloth or have kids to join us.”
This is the fourth year for Penticton and it has grown from 20 participants the first session to 40 last year with over 100 people coming through the doors. In addition to the diaper change, there is a wide range of other activities for adults and kids.
Taking part Saturday will be RCMP (finger printing) St. John Ambulance and Penticton Fire Rescue.
Vendors will include those selling toys, books and baby yoga. There will be a play area for kids, crafts and a fire truck.
There is no cost.
Also this time around the University of B.C. will be sending some representatives who will be doing a “poop” study.
According to Morison, in addition to being a lot less expensive during the time a child is in diapers, the quality cloth products have added benefits.
“Overall they help the environment but lots of times now with the way the (disposable) diapers are made, many brands are perfumed which can cause irritations and allergies. The use of natural fibres is a lot healthier for the babies skin,” she said.
“I guess changing diapers is not too bad, there is the occasional blowout that you’re not too happy with but it is kind of fun, plus this is a community event. And we get to change bums and be in the Guinness Book of Records. Who’d have ever thunk.”
Pre-registration is required and can be made by calling Morison at 778-476-2583.