Volunteers make a greener world in St Malo

Close to 50 volunteers from the Winnipeg based organization commonly called Green-S, came together in St Malo on Aug. 10, to help realize the RM of De Salaberry’s vision.

The group descended on Coin Rendezvous, a site along Highway 59 that was once home to a gas station but now includes a concrete pad, arbour and deer statues.

Together they planted more than 200 trees and shrubs including junipers, lilacs, maples and decorative grasses.

Sumeet Sharma was with the group, and he said their parent organization is called Dera Sacha Sauda, an Indian non-governmental organization dedicated to non-profit social welfare first formed in 1948.

“We don’t belong to a specific faith so to speak,” he said, adding Green-S is a wing of the group dedicated to betterment of the environment.

That becomes reality in tree plantation, adopting a portion of the Trans-Canada Highway west of Elie, and taking care of a Winnipeg park. They also organize blood drives within the community.

Sharma said they operate with a commitment to serve humanity and the environment with selfless compassion.

“Every year we do it, and we hope that people notice our work and they can be a part of our initiative,” he said.

Inspiring others to do the same, either on their own or as part of a group is their goal.

The group attracted the attention of the RM of De Salaberry after they hosted a similar tree planting in Blumenort in 2023.

Sharma said it was featured on a local radio station, which prompted the RM to get in touch.

“We have been in touch with them since then,” he said.

The group waited until the RM completed the concrete pad and arbour.

“Fortunately, everything lined up this year, so we were able to start,” he said.

The group not only supplies the labour but contributes their own funds to purchase the plants which the RM sources.

RM of De Salaberry Reeve Darrel Cure was impressed as he watched the action around him on planting day.

“This is great,” he said. “This is bringing our project one step closer to the finish line. We’re very grateful to have all these people join us and help make this part a reality.”

Cure said local interest has grown since the park began physically changing.

More landscaping is expected to be completed this year while future projects could include lighting, a play structure and washrooms.

To learn more about Green-S, call 204-294-3940 or go to www.greenswinnipeg.org.