A baby carriage, two pre-schoolers enthusiastically waving signs at passing motorists and Mom and Dad holding colourful signs with green hearts, reminding us that our planet must be given more respect and love:
This was the scene I first encountered at the intersection of Boudreau and Sturgeon Road on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 21. It was St. Albert’s contribution to the global climate change march and its attempt to create greater awareness for a cleaner, pollution free world and the need to address the serious problem of global climate change. How can one resist becoming part of this sincere expression of concern? About another 15 local citizens thought the same and for a couple of hours motorists driving along Boudreau and Sturgeon were treated to some City of St. Albert social activism.
As a participant and someone who is a reluctant sign waver, I found the total experience refreshing and empowering. There is an immediate bond and spirit of solidarity with those who are participating and sharing the same experience with you. Thank you to those motorists, not many but a few, who acknowledged us by a friendly honk of support. It helped to lift our spirits and connect with your own spirit of hope and approval.
Because the green heart is the centre of the expression, one is fuelled more by hope and love than by frustration and anger. What a pleasant change to what we are continually exposed to by the media, with all the current violence and hatred in an increasingly dysfunctional world.
The main initiative for the Global Climate Change March was taken by the online global organization and movement of over 38 million global citizens called Avaaz, started by an Albertan and former Edmontonian, Ricken Patel. Anyone interested in connecting can do so by going to their website, www.Avaaz.org.
To the young parents Radelle and Ben Rombough, along with their three children and all those who showed up for the march and support on the 21st, congratulations and thank you. You wear your green heart not only on the outside but more importantly, you have a healthy one ticking on the inside.
“Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world for indeed that’s all who ever have.”
Wilf Borgstede, St. Albert
