We just finished up D-Day (a.k.a Dump Day, a.k.a Dump and Run Day) and I really wanted to get this off my chest while it is still fresh on my mind. To all our staff members and volunteers... thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Over the past two days I have personally witnessed sacrifice, dedication, and determination. As a group we have been running around collecting waste from dumpsters, collection tables, private residences, and other nooks / crannies. At times this has been a true test of one's mettle. There have been smells that could wake the Dead. There have been taunts and disapproving stares from community members. There have been cuts; there have been bruises; there have been cramps; and there have been tears.
In addressing the group today I said that I was touched. The blood, tears, and sweat shed by this group have not been in vain. We will clean the items collected and we will find them new homes. We will go to shelters and we will go to clinics and we will make sure that every last article is given a fair chance at a new life. I told the group that because of them someone who did not have a meal the day before will have one tomorrow. Because of them, a mother who could not provide her children with necessities won't have to see her children looking back at her with empty hands.
I lack the skill to truly articulate the impact that our staff and volunteers are having on the community, and for this I am sorry. And I want to add a special thanks to Katimavik who found it in their hearts to have two groups come out today and keep us one step ahead. The country will sorely miss the presence of these dedicated youth working hard to make communities better, and in a sense to make us all better.
Please take a look at the album of photos that we will be putting up on our Facebook group and on our Tumblr page and please pass them along to your friends. The amount of waste that could be taken away from landfills and given to people in need is astounding. We owe it to ourselves to do the little things that will make the kind of world we want to live in. Question the impacts of your consumption and question the impact of your waste because these are two things that can help make the difference.
~jON - campus sustainability managerphoto credit - jonathan rausseo