Gwinnett Splashes Worldwide Color By Beth Volpert Johansen Gwinnett’s diverse nature is reflected in the faces of the county’s schoolchildren, business owners, and residents. With many different cultures and languages represented, it is no surprise that some of the strongest community leaders in the county are also reflective of our worldly population. Of those leaders Rony Delgarde, Founder and CEO of Global Paint for Charity, stands tall, strong, and proud. A native of Haiti, Rony arrived in America via the Miami International Airport over a decade ago with five dollars, a Bible, and a dream to educate himself with his eyes on a career path that would change, not only himself, but would also affect the world as a whole. Today, Rony heads Global Paint, a paint recycling non-profit headquartered in Gwinnett County that repurposes unused paint for projects world-wide. “I love Gwinnett County,” says Rony. “We receive tremendous support from the county government and the residents.” Much of the support Rony and Global Paint has received has come from Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful. Guided by leadership that represents the entire county, Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful seeks to foster and cultivate a community of environmental stewards in support of improving the water, land, air, and lives. “Schelly Marlatt was the first person I actually met with,” says Rony. “My English wasn’t that great, but I told them what I wanted to do; I told them my vision – to recycle paint and help brighten up the world and make a huge difference.” Schelly remembers the energy and vision with which Rony approached the idea of using recycled paint to make a difference in the world. “Over the last eight years, I have enjoyed watching Rony put his passion into action,” says Schelly. “He is one of the most humble hardworking people I know who not only helps save the planet by recycling unwanted paint, but he spreads love, hope, and color all over the world to places that do not have the resources to do so.” Spreading love and hope are wrapped up in the colors of the paints Rony collects and ships all over the earth to third world countries that put those gallons to great use. Brightening up neighborhoods is the most visible effect. But beneath the surface is a more
profound effect of the paint. “In some cases, painting helps lower the mold and bacteria levels that are so harmful,” says Rony. “We are working with the CDC on a project to help with mosquito control in some areas – it is very exciting.” In addition to the benefits to the health of a population, paint can uplift the spirit and strength of entire villages and towns. Aside from the obvious beauty of painting a home, the value goes much deeper. “There is a whole town in Mexico we work with that was filled with crime and the people had so little peace,” describes Rony. “We partnered with them and brought them paint; it made such a difference you would not believe!” That difference is not only in the appearance of the town, but their ability to be proud of their homes and Continued on page 13
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