Amazon & the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation Unite for a South Amboy Waterfront Cleanup
Amazon and WeLoveU Put the Fun Back in Cleanups
The volunteer service activity on May 1 can be synonymous with “cleanup deluxe” because of the surplus of on-site activities. Amazon employees livened the event with an arts and crafts station, snacks, face painting, games, music, and a raffle. A local business, Te Amo Empanada, provided drinks and empanadas to everyone attending. WeLoveU volunteers set up a registration tent to welcome all participants. Among Amazon and WeLoveU volunteers, South Amboy teachers and Board of Education members supported the cause with their students.
To kick off the cleanup, Amazon employees and WeLoveU volunteers gathered in the cul-de-sac. South Amboy Mayor Fred Henry, Council President Michael Gross, and Clean Communities Coordinator Jay Elliot addressed the crowd. Also, Amazon HR partners Kelly and Elizabeth presented a check donation to the International WeLoveU Foundation.
“Today’s impact was definitely through the people coming together and the connections we’ve made,” explained Kelly Outeiral, HR Business Partner at Amazon. “This is going to be a forever partnership between Amazon and the WeLoveU Foundation and especially the people in the community too.”
“This is the second time we had the WeLoveU corporation out here, and they have been a great asset to the City of South Amboy, helping clean up our beaches. It’s the second time, and it’s even bigger than the first time,” said Mayor Henry.
Then, a handful of volunteers stepped forward to hype up the crowd with a cheer. After hearing it a few times, others jumped in to cheer and instill positivity in the volunteers before cleaning.
Removing Plastic and Planting Flowers in Raritan Bay Waterfront Park
After a group photo, the crowd split into two teams. Team one picked up trash along the Raritan Bay, which removed 50 bags of trash and seven bags of recyclables. Team two beautified the Raritan Bay Waterfront Park by planting wildflowers and sunflowers and spreading fresh soil.
“Today, everyone is helping out in unity and making a little garden for people,” said Michelle Usi, a WeLoveU volunteer. “It’s a day to do something bigger for the community.”
The cleanup is part of WeLoveU’s Clean WORLD Movement, an environment initiative the NGO has led since 2009. Volunteers clean up polluted cities, parks, mountains, rivers, and seas worldwide to promote a clean world for present and future generations. The program has reached 58 countries, with more than 1,600 cleanups and more than 300,000 participants.
7 thoughts on “Amazon & the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation Unite for a South Amboy Waterfront Cleanup”
Wow! It really nice to see such a great collaboration between International WeLoveU Foundation, and Amazon. The happy smiles, the unity and efforts are inspiring.
Wow! This is event is such an amazing example of selflessness and sharing love. I am so impressed with Weloveu’s continuous efforts to make a difference in this world through volunteering l, bringing bright smiles wherever they go.
Me too! This is so awesome to see 🙂
I really enjoyed our partnership with Amazon! They are an amazing bunch of people who seem to understand the value of projects like this. Everyone was positive and warm; just a great group of people. With the turn out, I hope we can continue in such efforts in the Central Jersey area, getting more municipalities involved!
What a huge turnout… the people in town were so happy! It’s extremely fulfilling to be apart of such a fun and loving organization full of people that truly care about their neighbors not only in South Amboy but across the globe!
What an awesome partnership and great event! Summer is coming and a lot of people will be out and about and seeing all these preparations really is something wonderful to see. Keep up all the good work!
Great job WeLoveU and Amazon!!! Way to kick of the spring cleaning season for earth day!!!