On April 24, 2022, the International WeLoveU Foundation hosted the Boyd Park Beautification Project in New Brunswick, NJ. The volunteers of WeLoveU partnered with the Black Culture Collective employee resource group of SHI and the City of New Brunswick.

The aftermath of hurricanes and wear and tear over time caused an immediate need for Boyd Park’s beautification. The united activity promoted the importance of keeping our communities clean and free from litter and vandalism. Also, the cleanup was in honor of Earth Day. In response to the need for cleanups worldwide, WeLoveU initiated the Clean WORLD Movement in 2009. The environmental initiative gives special attention to areas within our global community through cleanups, beautification projects, and tree plantings.

Planting Words of Hope

Before the project officially began, participants sat on the amphitheater steps. The crowd received a warm welcome from New Brunswick Mayor James Cahill, Black Culture Collective Board Co-Chair Robert Williams, Recycling and Clean Communities Coordinator Erin Maguire, and Intl. WeLoveU Foundation volunteer Danielle Cadet.

“Your efforts remind people that the simplest can sometimes be the most important, so thank you for helping to spread the word,” said Mayor Cahill. “Thank you for what you are doing for the residents of the City of New Brunswick and our shared community.”

Working Together to Impact Boyd Park  

Afterward, teams split up to pick up litter, paint, and plant seeds. For the project ahead, 114 volunteers attended the Boyd Park beautification project. Out of the 114 volunteers, 68 were from WeLoveU, 39 from SHI, and seven from the City of New Brunswick. The volunteers collected 41 bags of trash weighing 1,025 pounds and 18 bags of recyclables weighing 270 pounds. Additionally, a team painted over two large graffitied walls, the amphitheater stairs and railings, and planted seeds.

Words From the Community

Participants and public officials shared their experience working with the WeLoveU Foundation for the first time.  “Your efforts remind people that the simplest of things can sometimes be the most important,” said Mayor James Cahill.

“When you look at the work the WeLoveU Foundation does on a global basis, you can’t help but be inspired and want to be a part of the incredible work they are doing,” shared Bert Baron, public information officer of the City of New Brunswick.

“SHI Black Culture Collective and the WeLoveU Foundation teamed up to do this cleanup project here at Boyd Park. I had a fantastic day!” said SHI Director of Emerging Partner David Johnson. “Everyone here is professional, helpful, and friendly. They talked to you and made you feel welcomed. That is probably the best thing for me. I have been volunteering for 15 years and this is one of the most fantastic experiences.”

“…I hope we do a lot more work together, and I’m honored and blessed to be here,” said Kevin English, senior director of products at SHI. “With this particular organization, I had the most fun. It was well put together and the most organized volunteer event I’ve ever been a part of!” exclaimed Robert Williams, inside sales manager public at SHI and board co-chair of the Black Culture Collective.