A teenager named Cheng En Du initially felt unsure when his mother proposed the idea of conducting weekly cleanups in their new neighborhood after relocating from China to Moncton. The family, adjusting to life in a foreign country, received support from many kind Canadians, prompting them to give back by tidying up the area regularly.
Encountering challenges with language barriers and adapting to a new environment, Geng Chen, Du’s mother, expressed gratitude for the assistance they received during tough times. Struggling with English proficiency, Chen found comfort in written communication as they strove to integrate into the community.
Embracing the concept of community service, the family committed to improving the local environment by consistently clearing litter from the streets as a gesture of appreciation to Canada. Despite initial embarrassment, Du and his mother persevered through eight cleanup initiatives, diligently collecting and disposing of trash while also engaging with their neighbors through a dedicated Facebook page called Green Guardians Moncton.
Encouraged by his mother’s unwavering support, Du emphasized the importance of individual contributions to enhancing the environment and fostering a sense of community responsibility. Although facing challenges in coordinating group cleanups due to busy schedules, the family remains motivated to volunteer and support others, drawing from their past experiences in charitable activities.
In a bid to make a sustainable impact, the family plans to monetize recyclables collected during the cleanups and donate the proceeds to a local food bank. Chen emphasized the significance of instilling a spirit of public service in others, envisioning a collective effort towards creating a greener future.
Through their Green Guardians initiative, the family aims to make a meaningful difference within their capacity while expressing gratitude to the community that welcomed them with open arms.