On a chilly morning on Sunday, April 4, 2018, 50 volunteers from the WeLoveU Foundation met on Commonwealth Avenue Mall in Boston, Massachusetts. All participants came from different parts throughout Massachusetts and met on Sunday, April 8, 2018, to clean up the grassy mall.

Commonwealth Avenue Mall

Quite contrary to what the name suggests, it isn’t a shopping mall. The Commonwealth’s history dates back to the 19th century. The Mall is 32-acres of grassy land that stretches along the Back Bay neighborhood. The historic avenue is usually occupied by many dog walkers and joggers. You can read more the Commonwealth Avenue Mall on the City of Boston’s official website.

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Cleaning Together, Let’s Go!

This cleanup marked the first regional event of 2018 for WeLoveU volunteers in Boston. Ready with garbage and leaf bags, gloves, rakes and smiles, they paired off spreading across the ground. After a long winter, dead branches, leaves, and trash became visible to the volunteer’s eyes. It had all accumulated during the cold season and hid under the snow. Dry grass and weeds were raked and pulled out, replacing many parts of the mall with a layer of fresh soil. They worked with determination to fulfill their task of providing a clean and safe environment for their neighbors. They cleaned a one-mile stretch along Commonwealth Avenue Mall and collected 84 garbage and leaf bags.

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The Blue Shirts

Local Boston residents recognized the group from previous community service activities. Some passed by with their dogs, smiling and saying, “Thank you! Beautiful job!” Another one waved and in return, the volunteers cheered, “We love you!” Two television crews, NBC and Fox25, came and interviewed some volunteers; capturing all their efforts. You can watch the news coverage here and here.

The laughter and joy coming from the volunteers brightened up the cloudy day.  Their goal to work with a mother’s love and give hope to everyone around allowed them to work with great unity. This volunteer service activity is part of WeLoveU’s Clean WORLD Movement to have a clean world not only for ourselves but for future generations.

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