Inspirational 102-year-old is cleaning up her B.C. community
Picking up one piece of litter at a time, Helen Sydney of Vernon, B.C., is an inspiration to us all
Driving along the roads of Vernon, B.C., you may catch a glimpse of Helen Sydney on the side of the road picking up litter that has been cast away.
"I have lived in Vernon, B.C., now for about five years, and I have seen, countless times, this elderly woman walking on the side of the street with a reflective vest picking up garbage," says Jaclyn Whittal, a meteorologist at The Weather Network.
As a teacher for 41 years, Helen gained a deep appreciation for the environment—an appreciation she would pass down to her students.
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Now, at 102 years old, she hasn't let her age stop her from cleaning up the roads in her community. Cart in tow, she picks up all manners of litter from the side of the road each day.
"Everybody can do their own little part," she says.
Helen also doesn't let the weather keep her from cleaning up the litter, saying she will time her outings around any bad weather.
Her inspirational efforts haven't gone unnoticed by the community, either, with the City of Vernon putting her name on her own special road. Many people who drive by will also give her a wave, which are always special parts of her day that she tenderly refers to as 'holy moments.'
Helen Sydney sets a beautiful example for us all on how we can each do our part to better our communities and the environment every day.
Please see the video above for Helen's full heartwarming story.
Story written with files from Jaclyn Whittal, a meteorologist at The Weather Network.