Brentwood’s Bottle Drive

19 December 2025Jayden W, Hope '16

On Saturday, Dec. 6, 120 student athletes from our ice hockey, rugby, and strength and conditioning programs visited the Mill Bay and Shawnigan communities, collecting recyclables to raise money for the Cobble Hill, Mill Bay, Shawnigan (CMS) Food Bank. It was a day filled with teamwork, community spirit, and a whole lot of clinking bottles!

The energy was palpable as students gathered, armed with gloves, bags, and an infectious enthusiasm. “It was great to get out of the regular training routine and do something completely different as a team,” shared Violet G, Hope ‘27. The response from local residents was overwhelmingly positive, with many of our neighbours thrilled to contribute to a good cause while clearing out their garages. “We had so many people thank us and say what a wonderful initiative it was,” said Ivana Y, Mack ‘27.

The recyclables piled up quickly, a physical symbol of the students’ hard work and the community’s generosity. Every bottle, can, and carton collected translates directly into funds for the CMS Food Bank, helping them continue their vital work of supporting individuals and families facing food insecurity. It’s a direct impact that students can feel and understand.

Beyond the impressive haul, the bottle drive was a great opportunity for students from different programs to bond and collaborate on something meaningful. It was a reminder that while we may be on different teams, we are all part of one larger Brentwood family, connected by community and the desire to give back. “We always have such a fun time getting all the kids together for this bottle drive” said Mr Tom Shadlock, Head of Hockey, “This year was one of the most successful drives we’ve ever had and all the local residents were so kind. The students were on such a roll working together that none of them wanted to stop collecting. We had so many bottles and cans that we couldn’t even fit them all into our box truck! We’re anticipating that our profits could be over $2000 which is just phenomenal.”

A massive thank you to all the student-athletes, coaches, parent volunteers, and community members who made the bottle drive such a success! The joint efforts have not only raised significant funds but also highlighted the incredible generosity throughout our community.

Jayden W, Hope ‘26

Where Students Choose To Be