Portland, oh Portland
The Serendipity Centre kicked off our day in Portland. This unique school for students with special mental/ emotional needs gave Steph and Matt a most attentive audience. Their glee at hearing Ed and Raphael (Matt’s character voices) was palpable, as was their enthusiasm for the environment. Meeting 7 year old Amanda who “loves recycling!” and ‘Giggles’ who was having a grand ol’ time helping read out the Top Ten Action Tips spread smiles across our faces.
And then there was Amy. This young woman was sitting as tall as she could when her teacher beckoned for Matt to come over to meet her, and sign her Ed, Edd, and Eddie poster. She was so struck and inspired that, according to her principal, she then did something she has never done before: volunteered to come up in front of the whole school and read aloud. What an incredible milestone in her life these two Run for One Planet-eers were part of!
As the days go, we were off to the next school, with Racy learning the lay of the land, and shuttling us into parking beneath a blossoming cherry tree outside of St Clare’s School. Inside, more than 400 students absorbed the presentation, and offered their insights into Eating Locally and Organically and Turning off the Lights. Another great crowd with great energy, this school is well on its way to becoming a certified Green School, thanks to the foraying leadership of Principal Marilyn.
Our time in Portland was packed fuller still, and this first day rounded out with a Whole Foods and lululemon athletica event. It was difficult to leave the next morning even, but a choice park job downtown near the river ushered us out of Portland on a friendly people high. Intent on a first run around the bridges, we were dining on breakfast when Drew (whose Carbon Offsetting office overlooked Racy, down on the street) came down for a meet ’n greet and donation.
Not too long after, while we were watching Steph’s Hope to Action video (http://www.hopetoaction.org/2009/04/running-for-the-planet/), another knock on the door brought the grinning faces of Christina and Peter.
These Living Harvest / Tempt! (http://www.worldpantry.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce/ExecMacro/livingharvest/home.d2w/report) marketing reps came bearing gifts too! A supply of hemp milk (made from BC, AB, and MB hemp seeds) to last a year, their new hemp ice cream product, and even hemp protein powder now adorn our cupboards. Sheesh. The astounding generosity of people is a constant presence in this tour’s day-to-day.
Thanks to a wet city for a green departure!
Steph – this is an absolutely fantastic interview in every way. Exceptionally well done – with this and all else!
Comment by Steve — Saturday, April 25, 2009 @ 6:33 am