2026 REEL Earth Day Challenge Champions: Calm Current!
Team Calm Current are your official 2026 REEL Earth Day Challenge champions, crowned our ultimate green crew of the year after raising an incredible $23,940!
Right behind them, Untitled Hockey Project showed unmatched grit and heart. Not only did they lead in total individual donations throughout the challenge, they pushed all the way to the final hour with contributions still rolling in, finishing at $22,645.
Making a lasting first impression, Team Time Out came in strong in their debut year, raising an impressive $12,540.
And of course, Virgin River (champions of the past two years) added another remarkable $10,965 this year. The legacy continues, and now they’ve got some new company on the commemorative director’s chairs at Sapperton Landing along the Brunette-Fraser Regional Greenway.
There is no doubt that Metro Vancouver and its regional parks hold some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. Thank you for telling their stories, and more importantly, for protecting them.
This year’s impact includes $85,000 raised to date, with a total of over $640,000 raised since inception, supporting 9 funded park projects in 2026:
1. Picnic in the Park in Surrey Bend Regional Park
2. Mishkoopitum/CTS Youth Society Indigenous-led Summer Camps in various Regional Parks
3. Learning Space Habitat Restoration in Burnaby Lake Regional Park
4. Coastal Foreshore Restoration in Iona Beach Regional Park
5. Ecoblitz 2026 Stewardship in various Regional Parks
6. Trail Education & Welcome Program at Crippen Regional Park
7. Shoreline Stabilization & Native Species Planting at təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park
8. Muench Bar Riparian Restoration at Derby Reach Regional Park
9. Native Plant Corridor Restoration at Tynehead Regional Park
From the birds, the trees, the bogs and the bees: thank you, thank you, thank you.
Until next year! 🎬
Project 9: Funded!
With the help of an $8,510 sponsorship from Reel Green™, the Native Plant Corridor Restoration project at Tynehead Regional Park is now funded! This project is transforming a busy roadside edge into a thriving green corridor that restores habitat and reconnects people with nature.
In 2026, community volunteers will help plant hundreds of native plants across new garden beds, creating a living buffer that reduces noise, supports wildlife, and enhances the landscape.
Project 8: Funded!
With another $5,000 raised through the #REELEarthDayChallenge, the next phase of the Muench Bar Riparian Restoration project at Derby Reach Regional Park is now fully funded!
This work continues the transformation of a former hay field along the Fraser River into a thriving riparian forest. In fall 2026, approximately 850 native trees and shrubs will be planted across 950 m², helping prevent erosion, restore habitat, and support a healthier ecosystem for wildlife and the community.
Project 7: Funded!
Another $20,000 raised means the Shoreline Stabilization & Native Species Planting project at təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park is now fully funded. Focused on protecting Sasamat Lake’s shoreline, this project will restore damaged areas, plant native species, guide foot traffic, and engage volunteers and students in hands-on stewardship.
With work beginning in 2026, it will help keep this beloved summer destination healthy, beautiful, and accessible for years to come.
Set Visit to Calm Current
Thank you to Team Calm Current for having us on set this afternoon! Your donations have been rolling in all day and have you currently sitting in first place in the overall challenge. We look forward to crowning our 2026 REEL Earth Day Challenge winners tomorrow, April 22, Earth Day!
Day Seven: April 21
Day 7 Challenge – Most Donors: Today’s challenge is all about numbers! Funding top-ups will be awarded to the team with the highest number of individual contributions to their team page over the course of the challenge (April 13-21). It is not about the amount of money raised, but the cumulative effort. The team with the most individual donors by Tuesday, April 21 at midnight wins the final challenge.
1st: $2,880 UNTITLED HOCKEY PROJECT
2nd: $2,160 CALM CURRENT
3rd: $1,440 VIRGIN RIVER
4th: $720 TIME OUT
Special thanks to Vancouver Film Studios for sponsoring todays challenge!
BONUS ROUND: Thanks to a last-minute $1,000 sponsorship from Film Logic, challenge teams can now earn a one-time $250 bonus by mentioning the REEL Earth Day Challenge in their show’s callsheet! Simply upload a screenshot to the daily submission portal to receive a $250 team top-up.
Reminder: Each team captain has received a complimentary stay at a luxury Vancouver hotel to raffle off to participating team members. Thank you to The Douglas, Hyatt Vancouver, Paradox Hotel Vancouver, and Sutton Place Hotel for providing these exciting incentives.
Project 6: Funded!
The Trail Education & Welcome Program at Crippen Regional Park is now fully funded with another $3,000 raised!
On the newly expanded Dorman Point Trail, visitors will be guided through safe and responsible trail use, including Leave No Trace principles, respecting park boundaries, and sharing the trail with others. Through hands-on learning and engaging activities, the program helps build confidence and awareness while enjoying the outdoors.
BC Trails Day hosted in June by the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC, is a great opportunity to celebrate local trails, connect with community, and highlight the importance of ongoing stewardship of these natural spaces.
Day Six: April 20
Day 6 Challenge – Power & Equipment: Snap a photo or share other documentation that showcases sustainable power and equipment practices. If using batteries, note the models and share an example use case you’re proud of. Share how many electric vehicles are used on the production, along with which models are working the best and why. Tips: Power down equipment when not in use, use electric generators, minimize run time, use LED lighting, and track fuel usage if possible. Upload your submission here. Submit by 11:59pm for a prize top up ($1,800 per team)!
Special thanks to Entertainment Partners, MBS Equipment Co. and Martini Film Studios for sponsoring todays challenge!
BONUS ROUND: Thanks to a last-minute $1,000 sponsorship from Film Logic, challenge teams can now earn a one-time $250 bonus by mentioning the REEL Earth Day Challenge in their show’s callsheet! Simply upload a screenshot to the daily submission portal to receive a $250 team top-up.
Reminder: Each team captain has received a complimentary stay at a luxury Vancouver hotel to raffle off to participating team members. Thank you to The Douglas, Hyatt Vancouver, Paradox Hotel Vancouver, and Sutton Place Hotel for providing these exciting incentives.
Day 7 (April 21st) is the LAST DAY to donate to your teams total earnings! The team with the most donations over the course of the challenge by Tuesday, April 21st at 11:59pm will win the final challenge: Most Donors!
1st: $2,880
2nd: $2,160
3rd: $1,440
4th: $720
Project 5: Funded!
With another $5,000 raised, support for Ecoblitz volunteers across regional parks is set for action this October. Ecoblitz is an annual environmental stewardship event that helps restore, enhance, and protect regional parks while engaging volunteers in hands-on conservation work.
Beyond its environmental impact, Ecoblitz also builds a strong sense of community ownership and responsibility, empowering people to take an active role in protecting the natural spaces we all share.
Set Visit to Virgin River
Thank you to Team Virgin River for hosting us today! Your “Keep It Green” recycling program, use of renewable diesel, sustainable set practices, and fleet of electric vehicles made for an impressive commitment to going green. Will you be the REEL Earth Day Challenge champions for the 3rd year in a row?
To schedule a set visit and receive a one-time $1,000 prize top up for your team, please e-mail Julie Bernard at jbernard@creativebc.com.
Project 4: Funded!
With an additional $10,000 raised ahead of Earth Day, the Coastal Foreshore Restoration project at Iona Beach Regional Park now has funding! This work will restore sensitive coastal habitat by removing invasive species like Himalayan blackberry and replanting native species such as coastal strawberry.
With nearby development at the Iona Wastewater Treatment Plant, strengthening this ecosystem is more important than ever, supporting wildlife and building a more resilient foreshore for the future.
Day Five: April 17
Day 5 Challenge – Craft & Catering: Snap a photo or share other documentation that showcases sustainable craft and catering practices. Provide examples of simple solutions which help make this department more environmentally friendly. Tips: Reduce single‑use plastics, support reusables, offer recycling/composting, include local and plant‑based options, and donate surplus food. Upload your submission here. Submit by 11:59pm for a prize top up ($1,800 per team)!
Reminder: Today is another first donation BONUS DAY! The first four donations of $5 or more made after 9:00AM on April 17 will receive a bonus prize top-up for their team:
1st donation $900: UNTITLED HOCKEY PROJECT
2nd donation $700: CALM CURRENT
3rd donation $500 : UNTITLED HOCKEY PROJECT
4th donation $400: CALM CURRENT
Special thanks to Front Row Insurance, Directors Guild of Canada BC, and Driving Force for sponsoring todays challenge!
Project 3: Funded!
An additional $8,000 raised has fully funded the Learning Space Habitat Restoration project at Burnaby Lake Regional Park!
Aintree Heritage House, home of CTS Youth Society and Stream of Dreams Mural Society (known for the fish-on-fences murals promoting watershed stewardship) will become a hands-on outdoor learning hub. Youth will support ongoing habitat restoration, including invasive species removal, native planting, and long-term stewardship with CTS Youth Society, creating a living outdoor classroom focused on ecosystem health.
Day Four: April 16
Day 4 Challenge – Circularity on Set: Team Captains: run a poll and earn points for each department that has reused items from Keep It Green Recycling or has budgeted a drop-off to the Material Reuse Warehouse. Describe items reused and the volume being diverted. Tips: Rent, reuse, or repurpose props/costumes, borrow before buying, use low‑VOC materials, track build waste, and donate or store items for future use. Upload your submission here. Submit by 11:59pm for a prize top up ($1,800 per team)!
Reminder: Friday is another first donation BONUS DAY! The first four donations of $5 or more made after 9:00AM on April 17 will receive a bonus prize top-up for their team:
1st donation: $900
2nd donation: $700
3rd donation: $500
4th donation: $400
Special thanks to ACFC West, Bridge Studios and Teamsters Local 155 for sponsoring todays challenge!
Set Visit to Untitled Hockey Project
Thank you to Team Untitled Hockey Project for having us today! With your newly claimed $1,000 set visit prize top up, you are currently our frontrunner in first place!
To schedule a set visit and receive a one-time $1,000 prize top up for your team, please e-mail Julie Bernard at jbernard@creativebc.com.
Project 2: Funded!
With another $20,000 raised, CTS Youth Society can now deliver “Mishkoopitum” summer camps for their fifth year in a row! These programs provide a culturally rich and empowering environment where all participants can learn from Indigenous knowledge and practices, fostering a deep connection to heritage, traditions, and the land. Through storytelling, traditional crafts, and land-based learning, these camps offer valuable opportunities for cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
Day Three: April 15
Day 3 Challenge – Participation & Culture: Share photos of your team in nature. Let us know which regional parks you’ve filmed in or highlight a favourite nature filming or recreation spot. Post photos from regional parks on social media and tag @mvrpfoundation.ca, @reelgreenbc and @creativebcs. Upload your submission here. Submit by 11:59pm for a prize top up ($1,800 per team)!
Reminder: Thanks to Keep It Green Recycling, the top three teams will each receive a 5-ton drop-off to their Material Reuse Warehouse (valued at $2,200+). This prize supports circularity and waste diversion, helping your production stay green. Please note: prizes must be used before your show wraps.
Special thanks to Netflix for sponsoring todays challenge!
Day Two: April 14
Day 2 Challenge – Production Office: Showcase your team’s sustainable production office practices and share what small changes make a big impact. Tell us which carbon calculator you’re using and how the data informs decisions. Tips: Go digital with call sheets/scripts, print double-sided, order sustainable supplies, reduce swag/packaging, or include a daily sustainability reminder in the call sheet. Upload your submission here. Submit by 11:59pm for a prize top up ($1,800 per team)!
Reminder: Complete your Eco-Prize Checklist for a one-time $1,000 top-up prize and a chance to win a Vancouver luxury hotel stay!
Special thanks to IATSE 891 for sponsoring todays challenge!
Park Project 1: Funded!
With $3,700 raised, Picnic in the Park programming at Surrey Bend Regional Park is now fully funded and ready to launch its second year! The program welcomes newcomers and connects them to nature by breaking down barriers like transportation, language, and unfamiliarity with outdoor spaces.
The program creates a safe space to build community, practice English, and experience the health benefits of the outdoors. Because everyone deserves to feel at home in our parks. Keep up the good work!
Day One: April 13
Day 1 Challenge – Promote the Challenge: Share a photo showing your team’s REEL Earth Day Challenge poster on set. We’ll provide a custom poster with a QR code linking to your team’s page to help get everyone involved. Upload your submission here. Submit by 11:59pm for a prize top up ($1,800 per team)!
1st Donation: $500 CALM CURRENT
2nd Donation: $350 CALM CURRENT
3rd Donation: $250 CALM CURRENT
Reminder: Complete your Eco-Prize Checklist for a one-time $1,000 top-up prize and a chance to win a Vancouver luxury hotel stay!
Special thanks to Amazon MGM Studios for sponsoring todays challenge!
Daily Challenge Calendar

Complete these challenges every day by 11:59pm to be eligible for prize top-ups! Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are combined days.
Day 1 (April 13) | Promote the Challenge: Share a photo showing your team’s REEL Earth Day Challenge poster on set. We’ll provide a custom poster with a QR code linking to your team’s page to help get everyone involved.
Day 2 (April 14) | Production Office: Showcase your team’s sustainable production office practices and share what small changes make a big impact. Tell us which carbon calculator you’re using and how the data informs decisions. Tips: Go digital with call sheets/scripts, print double-sided, order sustainable supplies, reduce swag/packaging, or include a daily sustainability reminder in the call sheet.
Day 3 (April 15) | Participation & Culture: Share photos of your team in nature. Let us know which regional parks you’ve filmed in or highlight a favourite nature filming or recreation spot. Post photos from regional parks on social media and tag @mvrpfoundation.ca, @reelgreenbc and @creativebcs
Day 4 (April 16) | Circularity on Set: Team Captains: run a poll and earn points for each department that has reused items from Keep It Green Recycling or has budgeted a drop-off to the Material Reuse Warehouse. Describe items reused and the volume being diverted. Tips: Rent, reuse, or repurpose props/costumes, borrow before buying, use low‑VOC materials, track build waste, and donate or store items for future use.
Day 5 (April 17) | Craft & Catering: Snap a photo or share other documentation that showcases sustainable craft and catering practices. Provide examples of simple solutions which help make this department more environmentally friendly. Tips: Reduce single‑use plastics, support reusables, offer recycling/composting, include local and plant‑based options, and donate surplus food.
Day 6 (April 20) | Power & Equipment: Snap a photo or share other documentation that showcases sustainable power and equipment practices. If using batteries, note the models and share an example use case you’re proud of. Share how many electric vehicles are used on the production, along with which models are working the best and why. Tips: Power down equipment when not in use, use electric generators, minimize run time, use LED lighting, and track fuel usage if possible.
Day 7 (April 21) | Most Donors: This challenge is all about numbers! Funding top-ups will be awarded to the team with the highest number of individual contributions to their team page over the course of the challenge (April 13-21). It is not about the amount of money raised, but the cumulative effort. The team with the most individual donors by Tuesday, April 21 at midnight wins the final challenge.
Participating teams have the opportunity to win additional funds by completing an on-set checklist aimed at minimizing ecological footprint during film production. This checklist encompasses a range of eco-friendly practices, including waste reduction, energy conservation, and sustainable sourcing. If a team completes a minimum of five out of the eight items listed, they become eligible for an additional one-time $1,000 top-up prize and a chance to win a Vancouver luxury hotel stay! This incentivizes participants to actively engage in sustainable filmmaking practices, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship within the industry. Visit reelearthdaychallenge.ca/checklist to complete now!
