Janielle Domingo believes everyone has a part to play in contributing to a sustainable and healthy environment.
The Coquitlam teen is hoping to share that message with her community as she’s organized a series of COVID-safe recycling drop-offs in the weeks ahead to reduce unnecessary waste in the region, primarily old or unused electronic devices.
She’s joined the Electronic Recycling Association’s Canadian division (ERA) to host three E-waste Collection Events, the first of which is set for Friday (May 28).
Domingo is encouraging residents to bring electronic devices — either in working or non-working condition — to the parking lot of BC Christian Academy, where she’s a Grade 12 student, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
There’s no cost for bringing devices, which are set to be refurbished and distributed to Canadian families in need.
A list of acceptable items are listed in the Instagram post below.
So why is Domingo hosting?
In addition to the satisfaction of helping others and respecting the environment, she’s hoping to earn a $10,000 scholarship from ERA, which would be used towards her post-secondary aspirations.
If successful, the ERA would also award three laptops to local charities.
However, Domingo says it would also provide an opportunity to give back to the region in the short- and long-term.
She tells Tri-City News she would contribute some of the funds towards SHARE Family and Community Services, believing a community can only continue to strengthen its bond through collaboration.
“This scholarship has further grown my capacity and ability to extend care and really get to know people in the Tri-Cities,” she explains, adding her life goal is to become a teacher in her own city as she’s set to pursue an English major through Simon Fraser University’s (SFU) Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences starting in September.
As a member of the Coquitlam Youth Council, Domingo believes educating the next generation on the means to maintain a healthy surrounding environment is a key step to a better future.
“A teacher’s job is to educate students, to share passion and the knowledge they’ve attained. This scholarship is actually really great practice for me because in all my interactions, I’m learning how to educate and communicate with people, as well as share one of my passions (caring for the environment)!”
The ERA requires participating Canadian students aiming for a $10,000 scholarship to organize and manage a stand-out recycling event on their own time, while being as creative as possible.
After Friday, two other E-waste Collection Events are scheduled for June 4 and 11, also from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in BC Christian Academy’s parking lot.
For more information, you can contact to Domingo via her social media pages.
