Celebrating Earth Day in a Big Way
The International WeLoveU Foundation volunteers in New England region visited Blackstone and Franklin Squares for a third time in celebration of Earth Day.
On Sunday, April 28, 2019, more than 100 WeLoveU volunteers partnered up with Rick Thompson from Boston Parks and Recreation Department and Toni Crothall from Blackstone and Franklin Squares Neighborhood Association.
The volunteers began streaming into the squares on Sunday morning with their bright blue shirts. Despite the wind and pending rain, they came fully energized to clean the green spaces in honor of Earth Day. In just three hours, they filled 110 brown bags with leaves and branches.
While sharing kind words with the volunteers, Toni Crothall from the squares association spoke a few words about WeLoveU’s Chairwoman who inspires the group to get out and be active. “I want to say thank you. I do not know how your heart got into the heart of all of these wonderful people. I am personally grateful for how they touched my small community.”
Unity in the Community
Massachusetts State Representative Jon Santiago made a special appearance thanking the volunteers for dedicating their day to cleaning the Blackstone and Franklin Squares.
“Thank you so much for coming over here, for bringing your folks over here for the third year. I hope there will be many more years in the future and I look forward to getting more involved in the years to come. So, I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart, from the bottom of the South End neighborhood, from the friends of Blackstone, and Toni as well. This was very, very much appreciated.”
State Representative Santiago
MA State Representative Jon Santiago [center] Andrew, Air Force Serviceman [left]
However, he wasn’t the only one who had some nice words to share with the WeLoveU group for their Earth Day activities! During the cleanup, multiple residents joined the group by raking leaves alongside the volunteers. There were others walking by that couldn’t join but expressed their gratitude to the participants. Many walked up to the WeLoveU information booth set up in Blackstone Square, displaying the works of the organization locally and globally.
“I appreciate everything you [WeLoveU] are doing. I’m glad I came out here today to help clean up the park and it looks a whole lot better than it did before and I definitely plan to be doing some more of this in the future. Next time something comes up, I’m all about it.”
Andrew, Air Force Serviceman from Pease Air National Guard Base
Until Next Time, Boston! ♥
By the end of the afternoon, the WeLoveU volunteers felt they had accomplished their goal of encouraging and educating the Boston community to care more for their environment. This Earth Day cleanup marks WeLoveU’s third time working in the South End neighborhood in Boston. Through future projects, WeLoveU only hopes to strengthen its relationship with the public officials and carry out even more meaningful projects.
The Earth Day cleanup is part of a bigger picture—WeLoveU’s Clean WORLD Movement. It’s a global effort to raise awareness of the importance of environmental protection in the face of climate change. At the same time, it aligns with the SDGs of Climate Action and Life on Land.
See what Boston Fox 25 News had to say about WeLoveU’s Earth Day cleanup!
17 thoughts on “WeLoveU Cleans Blackstone and Franklin Square on Earth Day”
Everyone looks so happy to help. I love the positive spirit! Great job!
I’m really happy to be a volunteer with the WeLoveU Foundation. WeLoveU is always taking the initiative to help make the world a better and more sustainable place for all people living on the planet through different volunteer services. This time we got to clean up 2 parks in the South End where I grew up. I had a really good time participating and was happy to see so many people devote their time and energy for something positive! I’m already looking forward to WeLoveU’s next event! 🙂
Amazing event! I’m happy to be a volunteer with the WeLoveU foundation. To come together as a group and help our neighbors and help make a difference is the best feeling and I can’t wait for the next cleanup event.
Thanks to our Chairwoman’s example, we were able to clean these park squares in unity with other volunteers! With so much helping hands, we could see the difference. If this event was so successful, it really shines a light on how much of an impact one person, one goal can do to this world. I cannot wait for the next clean up and hope that many are inspired to come and join us!
I was so happy I had the opportunity to attend this event and cleaned together with members of the community. I am privileged to be part of the WeLoveU Foundation and work with those who care for the status of the world and delivering hope.
Wow that looks like it was so much fun!! Way to go Boston! 😍💖
Participating in this year’s Earth Day clean-up was so much fun! It feels great to be involved & make a difference in our community that can impact others in such a positive way. I cannot wait for the next clean up :D!
It is so nice to see such and outstanding group continue to work hard to better the community. Keep up the good work!
What a fun and exciting event! A small ripple grows to larger waves – I hope this clean world movement continues to spread around the entire world. As more people become aware and more educated on the current state of the world, we can all come together and make the earth a cleaner, better place to live. It begins with our own mindset. I believe the Chairwoman has set the right example for us with love at the center.
What a great event! We were happy to help out in the city of Boston!
How awesome! I love that there is a platform for volunteers to truly spread love and kindness!
This was so much fun! It was amazing to have locals just pick up rakes and clean with us! I feel like everyone was just so happy and everyone was just laughing and having a good time during this event. Can’t wait for the next one! Great surprise to see State Representative Jon Santiago 🙂
Great job WeLoveU Volunteers! I’m sure the city of Boston was very happy to have your help
This Earth Day cleanup was amazing! Not only did many volunteers come from different parts of New England, but we had the same goal to bring awareness and make the earth a safe environment for all mankind! #cleanworldmovement
Great job WeLoveU volunteers! Great way to spend earth day with over 100 volunteers cleaning! Everyone looks so happy! 😁👍
Great cause helping the earth is a perfect way to give back to nature; everything she provides for us. Let’s support this cause and unite with this organization.
Big thumbs up to WeLoveU! Now people don’t help each other much but to see an organization like this gives me hope! I’m so happy to see such unity to accomplish a goal.