The SWEEP IT award goes to.......

Anyone who claims one person can't make a meaningful impact sure as sugar has never met Julian and his cohorts. I was first introduced to this fine fellow shortly after I first met his dad Tino(who I thank again for providing me this forum in the first place) and from the get go have been impressed by this "kid's" ability see and get the big picture. Shoot, I'm sure I ain't the only one who has met their share of 20-20 visioned "adults" that seem to be swinging at a pinata when it comes to the important aspects of life. Man-oh-man, this past weekend did Julian take character and decency to a whole new level. You see, last weekend was his birthday and while most think about what they can receive on these days, Julian was concerned with what he could give, it was selflessness at its finest, a jaw-dropping, tear-jerking action, and as I elaborate you'll find this isn't just lip service.

So here is this most amazing thing that happened, Julian suggested that his party goers donate some B-Day proceeds to me The Litter Guy, now if this wasn't mind-blowing enough he also decided to donate some money and gift cards himself. When Tino first called and informed me of this, to say I was blown away would not do it justice. I cried. My first thought was that there was no way I could accept this wonderful act of kindness, but as someone who has on many occasions preached the benefits unexpected spontaneous kindness, relented. None-the-less, as I stammered through that phone conversation as overwhelmed as I was, I was ten times more impressed by Julian initiative and his pals support. If these are the cats that are gonna shape our future, when were all old and wrinkly, lucky we are indeed. If I ever get bummed out and need to look for motivaton to keep doing what I do, sweeping up our city, I'll only have to remind myself of Julian's selfless actions and try to live up to the standards he sets.

I would like to personally thank Julian and his crew...Georgia and Maggie, Joseph, Timothy, Carolyn, and the Nazereth Family... Errol, Diana, Elijah and Andreas. Now on to the other business at hand, the awarding of the first(and probably only) annual Selflessness While Enacting Environmental Pride In Toronto award. Otherwise known as the SWEEP IT Award. While honorable mention is acknowledged towards the attendees of the birthday party, your WINNER IS.......(drum roll)..................Julian. Thanks for getting what I do buddy, it means more than you know or I could ever say. Your SWEEP IT Award trophy is almost done and maybe we could shoot some award presentation pics when we see each other next.

Thanks again to everyone for helping me to remember that whether big or small, a difference made is a difference made.