The International WeLoveU Foundation hosted a webinar followed by a cleanup with Pennsylvania State Representative Jared Solomon to emphasize the importance of cleaning our neighborhoods.
Defining a Cleaner WORLD With Representative Jared Solomon
On Thursday, October 22, 2020, more than 150 viewers learned the importance behind local cleanups through WeLoveU’s discussion with the 202nd District representative.
“It’s sending a positive message to everyone in the neighborhood,” said Representative Solomon. “It is not just about cleaner streets. It’s about showing folks what it means to band together, stand shoulder to shoulder and work as one for a better, cleaner and brighter future.” WeLoveU then aired a video of previous volunteer work in Philadelphia. A few clips included activities that Representative Solomon joined.
Regarding his partnerships with the Foundation, he commented, “You set the bar. You all, the WeLoveU Foundation, are the gold standard in excellence for how you take care of a community, cherish a community, show love to a community and do it in a deliberate and meaningful way.”
After the introduction, the webinar host segued to audience poll questions. The questions ranged from the relationship between clean communities and crime to WeLoveU’s Clean WORLD Movement initiative. Next, a surprise guest joined the discussion: a resident from Representative Solomon’s district.
The representative and audience heard from Ms. Estrella Robles, who also volunteers with WeLoveU and her daughter. She shared her experience living in a neighborhood with litter in undefined spaces, such as vacant lots and alleys. At the same time, she expressed her excitement to be part of the solution by joining the upcoming cleanup on Sunday, October 25.
Connecting With the Community
On Sunday morning, more than 70 WeLoveU volunteers gathered at the intersection of Cranford Avenue and Gilham Street. Participants planned to clean the streets deemed to have the highest litter index in the 202nd District of Pennsylvania. In total, the WeLoveU Foundation volunteers collected nearly 2 tons of trash.
While cleaning, volunteers met residents who share the same passion for keeping their neighborhood clean. At the start of the day, they met Ms. Taylor, who picks up litter on her street before going to work. She said she takes this initiative because she loves her community and seeing litter can make the environment uncomfortable. She was delighted to see more than 70 WeLoveU volunteers spread the same energy in her area on a grander scale.
Another resident whose been living in the area for more than 90 years came outside to thank the volunteers. She brought out photos of the neighborhood, dating back to the 1930s. She said, “A million thanks for making it look like the way it was before! It’s great to see people care today.”
Looking Towards the Future of Northeast Philadelphia
In hopes of increasing awareness of holding cleanups, several news stations broadcasted the Clean WORLD Movement event. The WeLoveU Foundation volunteers plan on taking greater steps towards a more sustainable and cleaner future for the Northeast Philadelphia community. Through the Clean WORLD Movement webinar and cleanup.
