#United States #San Francisco #Mrs. Meyer's #Gabby Thomas #community gardens

Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Launches the Third Year of the 'Lots of Compassion' Initiative

In a powerful display of community spirit, Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day has embarked on its third year of the 'Lots of Compassion' initiative, a program dedicated to transforming neglected vacant lots into viable community gardens. Collaborating with Olympic gold medalist and public health advocate Gabby Thomas, the brand aims to foster compassion and improve community health through green spaces.

An Inspiring Partnership

Founded on a vision of nurturing compassion, the partnership with Gabby Thomas marks a significant milestone for the initiative. Not just an athlete, Thomas holds a degree in neurobiology and global health from Harvard and a master's in epidemiology from the University of Texas Health Science Center. Her belief in the importance of green spaces, especially in neighborhoods with a lack of them, resonates with the core mission of Mrs. Meyer's. She aptly states, "My mom always told me to leave a place better than I found it..." with a focus on cultivating compassion through community-driven initiatives.

Despite challenges posed by a declining interest in civic engagement, where only 30% of Americans participate in community activities as reported recently, the initiative shines a light on the possibilities of turning intentions into actions. 90% of Americans express a desire to make a difference, and Lots of Compassion provides a platform to facilitate that.

Transforming Communities

The Lots of Compassion initiative has already made significant strides by converting 20 vacant lots into flourishing community gardens across the U.S., impacting nearly 45,000 people and enhancing more than 70,000 square feet of previously unloved land. The goal is to increase this to 50 gardens by 2027, with hopes to reach over 110,000 community members in the process.

Among the participating organizations are notable names such as Civic Works, Inc. from Baltimore and the Tucson Audubon Society. Their admirable work attests to the initiative's aim of fostering healthier, more connected neighborhoods. As Thomas notes, addressing the lack of green spaces is not just about beautification; it’s about enhancing health and well-being in communities.

Get Involved

Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day encourages everyone to join this compassionate movement:

• - Purchase the Compassion Flower Hand Soap: Each purchase made through Mrs. Meyer's website or Walmart will contribute $1 to community gardens, with an annual goal of $200K to be donated.
• - Apply for Grants: Organizations can apply for funding to develop community gardens on vacant lots. Applications remain open until June 15, 2025.
• - Visit the Compassion Store: Launching in Chicago this June, the store will allow shoppers to exchange small acts of kindness for products aimed at promoting community compassion.

A New Aroma of Change

The Compassion Flower, a new product line inspired by the initiative, embodies the essence of growth and kindness. With a delightful fragrance that combines notes of lemon, violet, and pansy, this unique flower symbolizes the importance of cultivating compassion—a habit as crucial as handwashing. The scented products are available for purchase on various platforms, including major retailers.

Conclusion

With the Lots of Compassion initiative, Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day and Gabby Thomas are establishing a legacy of compassion and collaboration. This project not only addresses environmental issues but also nurtures community ties, reminding us all that a caring community starts with green imbued spaces. Whether it's through individual involvement or organizational collaborations, each step taken in this direction fosters a more compassionate world. To learn more about the Lots of Compassion initiative and how you can help, visit Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day website.