When 4ocean began in January 2017, we had no idea that within a couple of years there would be 4ocean Cleanup Operations based on two continents and in the Carribean. For those that don't know, the first location was 4ocean Florida, next came the international location 4ocean Bali and then 4ocean Haiti followed shortly thereafter.
Not too long ago, our video and photography team headed south to our HB1 location in Haiti to celebrate our 1-Year Anniversary down there –– and boy what a party it was!
The atmosphere was electric and everyone was happy to be together at the same time to share in the moment. Some of the individuals who attended have been with us from the start, helping to grow and expand the operation into what it is today.
We wanted to do something special for them to commemorate the day and their time at HB1 so each of them received a 4ocean 1-Year medallion to wear around their neck. And the gratitude for what that meant to each of them really showed on their faces. Happy smiles, laughs, handshakes, just a real sense of pride to be a part of something that is changing the face of their community and the country for the better.
It certainly hasn't been without its challenges and setbacks, after all, Haiti is one of the poorest nations in the world, has no real waste management system with a tremendous plastic pollution problem, and at times can have an unstable government. But that has never held back our dedicated 4ocean employees.
Once the ceremony was over it was time to get the party started and hit the pool –– check out the video of the afterparty! It really shows just how much of a difference it means to our team to be a part of the 4ocean movement in Haiti.
In the last year, we have created over 100 jobs in Haiti and couldn't be more proud of our team. We say this because it just goes to show that the 4ocean movement toward a clean ocean has meaningful and lasting impacts beyond just the water and the coastlines. It is also about changing the lives of people for the better, changing attitudes and behaviors, changing the community, changing the countries where we set up these operations. This is all part of what makes the 4ocean message and this movement so powerful.
When you purchase a 4ocean Bracelet, you not only pull a pound of trash from the ocean and coastline in places like Haiti, but you are making a real impact in countries where there wasn't a lot of hope or thought of the future because just surviving was on everyone's minds. Now, whether it's Cokes on Friday with the boys, buying a motorcycle to get to work, or helping out family and friends, all of that is now possible because of the effort and perseverance of 4ocean Haiti. Congratulations on a year well done –– we love you all!!!
Make sure to follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay up to date on all things 4ocean! Also, head on over to our Discover 4ocean Facebook Group to get in on the conversation around ocean plastic pollution and other important ocean conservation topics.
If this makes you as happy as it makes us, let us know in the comments below.
