We are all overscheduled. Between work, school, family, and social obligations it feels like it’s nearly impossible to squeeze in a workout, much less do any volunteer work. Enter Movers and Shapers – the brainchild of Jennifer Holstein, Olesia Ermakova and Andrea Del Mas – this subset of the Beijing Global Shapers which is part of the World Economic Forum, helps organize hikes where the participants clean up the trails as they go.
Holstein told me “Beijing has so many amazing hiking trails, as this city contains such diverse terrain just a few miles outside of the city center…We all enjoy these trails so much; we want to leave them looking nicer than when we came. Additionally, it is so important to be physically active and be in nature. Living in the city can make people feel restless and encourage unhealthy habits or lifestyle choices. Being in nature and getting moving is critical to maintaining a happy and healthy life. Something that everyone deserves.”
These hikes are a great opportunity for kids, families, and schools to get up and moving while having a social impact. And multiple studies show that kids benefit from doing community service as much as those they are helping. Giving back builds character traits like leadership, collaboration, empathy, and critical thinking.
Movers and Shapers’ most recent hike to Mengtougou on the western outskirts of Beijing not only removed 20 kilograms of trash from the trail but also raised RMB 2,116 for the Migrant Children foundation (MCF).
Their goal is to organize 1-2 hikes like this one each month with all of the proceeds going to a local charity and they need more volunteers. Holstein stressed the inclusivity of the program “Our events are open to environmentally friendly people and even pets! Pretty much anyone who is physically capable of coming on the trail is welcome! Children, parents, students, people of all ages!”
The cost of each hike is 88rmb and includes transportation, tongs, and trash bags. For more information you can join their community WeChat group at the QR code below or contact them via their Instagram account: Movers_shapers or via WeChat at jcourt
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Images: Courtesy of Movers and Shapers
