Brentwood Bay Girl Launches Urgent Reusable Cup Contest Now

UPDATE: Aiming to combat climate change, 13-year-old Abby Van Helvoirt from Brentwood Bay has launched an urgent reusable coffee cup contest that runs until December 31, 2025. This initiative encourages locals to bring their own mugs to Politano Cafe and Brentwood Bay Village Empourium to earn entry into a raffle for local gift cards.

The contest, which is now in its second year, has already drawn significant attention, inspiring community members to rethink their coffee habits. Participants receive a punch card for each reusable cup used, reinforcing the importance of sustainability in daily routines.

Officials confirm that Abby’s efforts are part of a larger movement towards environmental responsibility. Earlier this year, she won the 2025 National Youth Climate Activism Award, receiving a $1,000 prize from the Institute for Sustainability Education and Action. Abby’s winning project included this reusable cup contest, among other sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing waste.

“I noticed waste being put in the wrong places, which motivated me to start this initiative,” Abby said in an interview with Peninsula News Review. “Just a little bit makes a big difference.”

In addition to her coffee cup initiative, Abby has also tackled waste management at her school. She introduced a blue recycling bin to encourage students to properly dispose of plastic containers used for their lunches, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills.

Abby’s commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop there. On November 30, 2025, she will be at Thrifty Foods in Saanichton to launch another initiative focused on reusable produce bags, aiming to educate shoppers on eco-friendly practices.

With her ambitious vision for the future, Abby dreams of securing a seat on the city council to implement more significant environmental changes. “If I can influence proper recycling at home, it can lead to a considerable impact over time,” she stated, reflecting her determination to create a sustainable future for her community.

This contest not only highlights the importance of environmental awareness but also empowers young activists like Abby to inspire change. As the deadline approaches, community members are urged to participate and contribute to a greener planet, one cup at a time.

Stay tuned for more updates on Abby’s initiatives and how you can get involved in making a difference!