Hey there, fellow community lovers!
Have you ever felt that incredible rush of energy when a group of passionate people comes together for a common cause? That’s exactly what we experienced on January 19, 2025, with our amazing Burners Without Borders volunteers! These dedicated individuals are not just artists and creators; they’re champions of community connection, bringing a unique spirit to everything they do.
On January 19th, we rallied our volunteers for a day of service that felt more like a joyous celebration than a typical cleanup event. Armed with gloves, trash bags, and boundless enthusiasm, we hit the ground running (literally!) to tackle some of the local areas that needed a bit of love. The beauty of our team? Everyone has their own unique backgrounds, talents, and stories to share.
As we went along, we didn’t just pick up trash; we shared laughs, engaged in meaningful conversations, and fostered a sense of camaraderie. It was heartwarming to see the smiles on the faces of passersby as they joined in the spirit of what we were doing. The more we engaged, the more we realized that community building isn’t just about service; it’s about forging connections and creating a shared sense of ownership and pride.
The energy and camaraderie of our Burners Without Borders family are what make these events truly special. Big shoutout to every one of you who participated! You are the heart of our community spirit. Thank you Brian, Parker, Jay, Sunny, Zack, Maddy, Jessie, and Corinne!
So, if you haven’t yet connected with us, come on out for our next event! Follow our social media channels to stay updated on future gatherings, and let’s keep this momentum rolling. Remember, together we can create, connect, and care for our little corner of the world.
Until next time, keep shining and spreading love wherever you go!
Your Friends at Burners Without Borders.
P.S. Thank you again to Jill for coming up with the idea to help clean up our community.
Recap of Our Last Cleanup and Upcoming Opportunities to Serve
Hello, Burners!
What a fantastic experience we had at our last canal cleanup! As part of our commitment to civic responsibility, we gathered together on that beautiful stretch of the canal. We made a real difference in our community. It was heartwarming to see so many familiar faces, with the spirit of camaraderie shining bright as we chatted about Burner stories while collecting trash and enjoying the outdoors.
We learned a lot during our cleanup in late October. We encountered an unfortunate amount of waste, especially single-use plastics, and homelessness-related debris. This reinforces our need for more tools like trash grabbers and buckets for future events. I also discovered that pairing latex gloves with rubber-coated gloves made for a much more comfortable and effective cleaning experience.
The camaraderie extended beyond just cleaning; we were inspired by Ed’s LEHR garden project at Ascension Church, reminding us of the positive impact we can have when we come together.
But the work is far from over! I invite you to join us for our next three events where we can continue making a difference:
Canal Cleanup – January 19th:
Join Jill, Jessie, and me at 9:00 AM as we clean up another linear mile of the canal. We’ll be collecting, bagging, and leaving most of the trash for the city to pick up. We encourage our found object artist friends to join in! Bring your creativity to turn one item we find into a piece of art to raise awareness about single-use plastics. Vegan snacks will be provided, and remember to BYOE (Bring Your Own Everything) for your comfort! Learn more about the Adopt-a-Street program HERE.
Blood Drive – February 6th:
We’re hosting a blood drive at Walter Studios from 11 AM to 4 PM. I started volunteering at blood drives after a loved one needed regular transfusions, and now it’s become a passion of mine. If you’re able to donate, please come by! If not, consider helping by spreading the word or volunteering to assist with registration.
Please book your appointment HERE in advance so American Red Cross can staff appropriately. This drive is the day after my 44th birthday. I don’t want anything for my birthday except for less suffering on earth for ALL SPECIES.
Nineteenth Annual Phoenix Idiotarod – February 8th:
We’ll be running the registration table at this quirky event from 11 AM to about 4 PM. It’s a wild race involving teams of humans and shopping carts, and we’ll be collecting much-needed items for UMOM. Last year, we raised around $3k in period products, helping those in need. This year, let’s continue to promote the importance of sustainable period products like panties and cups.
Together, let’s keep the momentum going from our previous cleanup and actively engage in these upcoming opportunities to serve our community. Every hand makes a difference, and every effort counts.
Thank you for being part of Arizona Burners Without Borders! I can’t wait to see you out there making an impact!
Much love,
Corinne Vivers
Fulcrum fka Hermione
azburnerswithoutborders@gmail.com
