Green Jeans
January 12, 2012
Superman, Batman, Spiderman; what do these names mean to you? To me, they are all middle-aged men with alter egos who spend half their lives saving their fictional cities from danger. Others think of them as heroes. They spend their days fighting crime, saving innocent bystanders, and defeating evil villains. It seems that we are all so busy daydreaming about the glorious lives of our fictional super heroes that we fail to recognize — and appreciate — the work of the true heroes that are around us every day. In fact, many of today’s heroes are far from middle aged! They are our youth, ones with a tremendous passion for changing the world. Unfortunately, we tend to not only underestimate but also fail to recognize the contributions these youth make.
Who are these heroes? Maybe it isn’t someone wearing a billowing cape, mysterious mask, and a brightly coloured body suit. Instead, it is the people who decide to take that extra step. They do more than dream about making a change in the world they live in; they do it.
Harnoor Gill is such a modern-day hero. In addition to being a biodiversity advocate, from the young age of 3 he has been an avid volunteer in his community. Over the years, he has volunteered in many locations such as the Town of Halton Hills, Willow Park Ecology Centre, Halton Children’s Aid Society, Conservation Halton, and Credit Valley Conservation, to name a few.
In 2010, when he was only 12, he started the “Jean Green Drive.” The Jean Green Drive collects gently used or new jeans and delivers them to youth in need. So far, he has gathered and given out around 200 pairs! But he didn’t stop there. After saving up his money from chores and his monthly allowance, he bought another 500 pairs on his family trip to India and gave them out as well. His goal was to spread the message that by the simple act of donating a pair of jeans, you can be helping someone in need, all the while recycling, donating in an environmentally friendly way.
“My message to the youth is that our community needs you. Together we can play an important role in building this amazing planet for the future,” said Harnoor.
He encourages many to volunteer in their communities and lend a helping hand. His proves that if we want to see a change in the world, we must make it ourselves.
Harnoor is an inspiration. At such a young age, he has been able to accomplish so much. Many elementary school students are preoccupied with their own lives and daily struggles, leaving them with little time to actively participate in the community. While juggling school, friends, and family, Harnoor still manages to find the time to go out and help his community, and is always prepared to do more.
However, the most important lesson we can learn from Harnoor is that we have the power to make a difference ourselves. In saying so, follow Haroor’s lead and get involved in your community! Find out how and where you can help out locally. Or if there’s a charity or foundation you support, make a donation; it will definitely be appreciated. Be willing to take that extra step, start an organization of your own, and help a cause that you’re passionate about. With perseverance and hard work, Harnoor teaches us that age is just a number, and reminds us that all it takes is to want to make a difference.
Harnoor volunteering at Willow Park Ecology Centre in 2010
Action Items
- Get involved in your community
- Make a donation to your favourite charity
- Start an organization for a cause you feel passionate about
25 Responses to "Green Jeans"
Thanks for this wonderful inspiration today, Tali.
With beliefs like Harnoor’s, and his willingness to share, support, and encourage others, he will never have to stand alone. There are many of us standing right there beside him.
Harnoor, you are making a difference! Keep up the good work!! I love your strength! It is contagious! Grace and Peace!
Give thanks for the good news!
Harnoor, Fantastic not only your spirit of volunteerism and the wonderful work you are doing. There are a lot of young men and women doing a marvellous inspirational work to make this world a better place to live in. I would like to thank you for your efforts!
You are a wonderful person. Thank you again for your gift of wisdom and my heart felt blessings.
Harnoor: It is children like you that gives adults like me a warm comfortable feeling that this planet is going to be in good hands in the future. Continue on your journey and along the way keep inspiring your peers to do the same and in the process may be show us adults the connection to this earth and looking after her is so important.
We do focus on the future and children are exactly that. Keep up the great work. Keep up the great work!
I am looking forward to drumming and singing with you soon.
Anthony
This is lovely! May the rocks and trees and sun and life keep bringing you joy! Thank You!
I love what you said; “My message to the youth is that our community needs you. Together we can play an important role in building this amazing planet for the future”. My husband would love it. But most of all, I like your picture taken at Willow Park Ecology Centre in Norval, Ontario:)
You are our Hometown Hero!! Congratulations Harnoor!
Thank you all for great comments, people like you inspire me to keep going and make a difference.
Robyn, Julien, Goldy, Anthony, Dave – thank you!
Harnoor
“Together We Can Make A Difference”
Hats off to you Harnoor!! It is important for us all to reflect and remember what an incredibly privleged life we lead here in Canada. I think that you have shown other young people that action to raise awareness can come in any form. Our single voices may not be that loud, but in many ways can be heard for miles.
Thank you for making a difference and thank you for making peace!!
Peace,
Jillian
I have read of this young man before on many publications, and cannot begin to describe how impressed I am with his work. He brings a delightful energy and contagious sense of hopefulness in bringing awareness to youth matters. Undaunted (like people like me) by the scope of the work he has tackled, Harnoor’s fund-raising talents can only be described as phenomenal.
Thanks for this, Harnoor, and good luck in the future. Despite being old enough to be your grandfather I look up to you with respect and admiration.
Kudos to you young man for an awareness of volunteerism and making peace.
I believe it’s a wonderful thing to see a 13 year old to be so commited to helping others. Just goes to show you can’t under estimate someone because of their age. Good job Harnoor, keep up the great work!
Well done!!!!!!!!!!!
Great idea and follow-through Harnoor!
I am reminded of: One small step for man, one giant step for mankind.
An awesome post, Tali.
Thank you so much for these beautiful words about the youth who is making Peace in his community!
Keep up the great work, Harnoor! It’s highly appreciated. This would be a super tie in, I too believe
What an amazing post…from a person of any age. Your future is bright and our world a better place to have someone like you with the sense of purpose and mission that you already possess. You know it’s been said that a single person, with energy vibrating at a high enough level, can help transform the lives of thousands. I sense you are already doing that. I have four children from 16 to 10. I will share your post with them. Meanwhile I wish you a life of joyful pursuit of your mission.
Thanks again for sharing!
Harnoor, I don’t see you as a young man, you could have been living years and years in this beautiful planet, your words of wisdom especially fifth paragraph You can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.” And that is what making a better world is all about. These words ringing into my ears ever since i red your other posts on the Earth Day Canada’s website.
YOU are a Leader of today!!
Thank you and many blessings.
Great!!!. Tali, you have written some incredible wisdom about Harnoor. Things that I wish I had learned when I was younger. I suspect my life would look very different now, if I had.
1. YOU can change the world.
2. Get involved in your community
3. Make a donation to your favourite charity
4. Start an organization for a cause you feel passionate about
5. Do something you LOVE.
6. Learn from Role Models
7. Do something for someone who will never be able to repay you.
Harnoor, thank you so much for sharing your words in such a clear voice.
Blessings,
Sara
Congratulations!!
I know this young boy who speaks so well, so maturely, has seen so much of the world, and is so conscious of the welfare of others. He is a mere 13, a Grade 8 student at Stewarttown Middle School in Georgetown, and a worldwide youth volunteer leader.
YOU rock Harnoor!
Harnoor, you’re truly an amazing kid. Keep up the good work.
Hugs,
Shelly
Harnoor, you are not only an inspiration to the kids but adults alike. Generosity and kindness are some of the virtues we Canadians foster and you are a living example of that. Congratulations and every success in all your future endeavours and your dream of becoming a great citizen. I am an Indo-Canadian and I am very proud of you!
Sikh Community Is Very Proud Of You, Harnoor
You Have Given The Spark To The Whole Universe. I Had Tears In My Eyes When I Read Your Article. I Don’t Have Word’s To Express My Gratitude. You Will Achieve Anything You Desire.
Your Parents Must Be Rejoicing To See Your Progress. YOU are making a difference!
Peace
Harnoor…you make us so proud!
May He take you by the hand and teach you how to fly and forever enlighten you so you can fully participate in God’s creation. If you are ever in England, phone me and I am sure you have many interesting stories to tell!
May you be blessed, Harnoor!
Hey Harnoor, we are extremely proud of you, your family and your grand parents, who have inspired you, nurtured you and instilled such goodness in your heart. We pray that you continue this Momentum of caring, loving and compassion, and that you touch the hearts and lives of as many people as you can with God’s grace. We pray that you are given lots of opportunities to share your leadership qualities with the young and the not so young across Canada and around the world.
Harnoor, congratulations on your achievement and success in making such an amazing difference in our world, at such a young age of 13! You are unselfishly giving your life for the benefit of the people in the world. We all need to follow your example! There is so much work to be done!
It is unfortunate that on your last visit to India, the opportunity was not there, for you to address our group, but we hope that those opportunities will be created for you, so that you can reach out to more young and the not so young minds and hearts.
Life is about serving others and you have found your purpose at such a young age!
Thank you and congratulations!
Harnoor, I need kids like you to come and talk to my sociology class. I am sure my students would love having you in the classroom. You made it clear that that age is not a barrier to making a difference!
I have no doubt about you because:
“YOU ARE TRULY A PILLAR to the SERVICE OF MANKIND”…..
Keep it Up !!…..
Grace and Peace!
Hey, it was a real pleasure to meet you and to see your participation in the Cultural Journey symposium last weekend in Acton. It is so encouraging to see bright young persons such as yourself taking the environment seriously. Keep up the good works!
Blessings,
Charlie
Well done!! Amazing Article Harnoor! Congrats! Another amazing accolade to add to your list!
Thank you for sharing.