2,800 kg of Waste Cleared: ASEZ WAO’s Cleanup Drive Inspires Pune Residents

Wanowrie, 13th January 2025: An international volunteer group, ASEZ WAO, kicked off the year with a strong commitment to sustainability by conducting the Green Earth Fatima Nagar Street Cleanup in Azad Nagar, Wanowrie, Pune. ASEZ WAO, the Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group of the World Mission Society Church of God (led by General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol), embodies the motto, “Save the Earth from A to Z, We Are One Family,” emphasizing unity in protecting the planet.

The event saw 85 ASEZ WAO members, along with their families, neighbors, and colleagues, gather on a holiday morning to clean a 1-kilometer stretch of Pune’s Fatima Nagar area. Known for its dense population, educational institutions, and medical facilities, the area generates significant waste. Over two hours, the volunteers collected an impressive 2,800 kg of garbage, transforming the surroundings into a cleaner and more pleasant space.

Local residents expressed gratitude for the volunteers’ efforts, responding with bright smiles and encouragement. The Wanowrie Ramtekdi Ward Office provided cleaning tools such as tongs, gloves, and garbage bags to support the initiative.

Karan Latawde, DSI of Wanwadi Ramtekdi Ward Office, praised the volunteers, stating, “Despite regular garbage collection by PMC, public littering persists. It is inspiring to see young adults dedicate their holiday to this cause with such enthusiasm. Volunteers like these are essential for our increasingly polluted and populated city.”

Since 2017, ASEZ WAO has been actively organizing Campaigns for Earth across India to combat climate change and protect ecosystems. Cleanup activities have spanned various locations, including Bharati Vidyapeeth Police Station in Pune, Vitthal Rao Shivarkar Road in Pune, and Sangeeta Samrat Naushad Ali Road in Mumbai, as well as other states such as Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Delhi.

Beyond environmental initiatives, ASEZ WAO is also recognized for its Campaigns for Humanity, focusing on the sustainable development of humanity through education support, welfare promotion, emergency relief, and cultural exchange. The group has been involved in disaster recovery efforts in Maharashtra’s Palghar region, extended support to medical personnel and firefighters in Pimpri-Chinchwad, and provided food and supplies to orphanages like Nirankar Balgram.

ASEZ WAO’s dedication has earned numerous accolades, including Certificates of Appreciation from the Minister of Social Justice and Special Assistance of Maharashtra, the Minister of Health of Chhattisgarh, and local government officials such as mayors and deputy mayors. Internationally, the group has received 530 awards in 25 countries, including the U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Award, the Green Apple Award, and the Green World Award.

The World Mission Society Church of God, founded in Korea in 1964, has grown to encompass 7,800 regions in 175 countries.