The river and beach at Riviere Doree, Choiseul, were the sites of a massive clean-up effort by Do-Nation Foundation last Saturday.
The three-hour exercise was Do-Nation Foundation’s contribution in observance of this year’s World Clean-Up Day, observed last Saturday.
Volunteers collected 30 extra-large bags of garbage on the small stretch of beach located in the scenic west coast community. The bulk of the waste collected included plastic and glass bottles, plastic bags, tin foil, sea weed, and pieces of bamboo and driftwood.
The clean-up exercise began around 10:00 a.m. and concluded just after 1:00 p.m., as volunteers were mindful of the 4:00 p.m. curfew in place that day. All COVID-19 protocols were followed, including the limited numbers of volunteers, wearing of face masks, physical distancing, and hand sanitizing and temperature checks.
The clean-up campaign was nothing new to the members of the Do-Nation Foundation. On June 5 – World Environment Day – Do-Nation Foundation conducted a similar clean-up exercise at Trouya Beach in the Gros Islet in the north of the island.
Under our World Clean-Up Day umbrella of activities, consultation was held recently with the Choiseul youth group who expressed their growing concern regarding the increased disposal of garbage in the area.
“The youth group wanted to create awareness among their constituents regarding the need for proper disposal of garbage after using public areas,” said Do-Nation Foundation’s CEO and founder, Diane Felicien. “We decided to not only to provide the assistance, but to also seek sponsorship which will provide continuous support to this project.”
Do-Nation Foundation accepted the challenge and sought sponsorship from supermarket chain, Massy Stores, regarding the clean-up campaign. The partnership with Massy Stores was overwhelming and it was a joy to collaborate with the organization to obtain our objective whilst providing and extending our care to the youth of the Choiseul Village Council and constituents.
“I would like to extend thank you to Massy Stores, the Choiseul Youth Council, members of the Do-Nation Foundation, especially the Events Committee who made this constituency clean-up campaign a success. We look forward to many more success stories of changing people’s lives while caring for our environment and look forward to continued support from other partners and business establishments,” Felicien explained.
While in Choiseul, the volunteers also took the opportunity to present a hamper to one of our senior citizens.
Do-Nation Foundation’s mandate is to provide dedicated service to eradicate social ills, one person at a time. The organization has been involved in various activities to provide socio-economic support to affected families across Saint Lucia.
Another great initiative undertaken by Do-Nation Foundation is Good Deeds Day, observed in April each year. Do-Nation Foundation looks forward to collaborating with business-houses to express our Good Deeds umbrella of caring and changing of lives not for a day, but for life.
With nearly 40 members island-wide, Do-Nation Foundation is based on volunteerism and the organization teams up with sponsors and well-wishers to provide citizens with a wide range of services, including:
• Counselling
• Job placement
• Rehabilitation and reintegration into society for troubled adults and youths
• Holistic approach with each client and support to recovery from their situation
• Teaching single parents the necessary parenting skills and how to maintain balance in their lives
• Police guidance/support/legal advice for victims
• Monthly follow-ups and updates on clients
• Community projects designed to foster positive societal change
• Triage service before referral for counselling
Do- Nation Foundation is always looking for professionals who would like to volunteer their time to make a change in our society in any of the areas stated.