DAFF designate the entire month of September as National Arbor Month
This Arbor Month is starting with a bang – with the planting of over 6400 trees nationally in 2018. We’re planting trees at homes and schools throughout the country.
Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA) will be attending the Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) launch of National Arbor Month on the 7th of September 2018 at Mbombela Stadium, Mbombela Local Municipality, Mpumalanga. Historically Arbor Week, 2018 marks the first year of incorporating the entire month of September into Arbor Month.
We’ll be planting trees in Orange Farm with Konica Minolta South Africa (KMSA) who began planting trees with FTFA in that same area in 2008. We look forward to planting new trees as well as returning to those trees planted 10 years ago – to mark a decade of KMSA greening South Africa. KMSA’s commitment this Arbor Month is to plant a total of 2000 trees in the area. This will benefit approximately 67 schools. KMSA really are helping to plant a legacy this Arbor Month.
Grinding Media South Africa (GMSA) have committed 2300 trees to the Katlehong Greenbelt, where we work with the local community to systemically green the areas of Thokoza, Vosloorus and Katlehong. This project has enabled 1000 homes and 10 schools to receive fruit and shade trees.
Ackermans return to Mamelodi this year – ensuring that a further 375 homes and 10 schools receive trees. This donation of 1000 trees will have significant impact on air quality, soil erosion, property values as well as shade for years to come.
AON South Africa have committed 1000 trees to schools nationally. This initiative will ensure that 40 schools on FTFA’s waiting list receive fruit and indigenous shade trees.
The Arbor donations thus far will see 136 schools and 1375 homes receiving trees. A total of 55 local unemployed community members will be trained and will be provided with work opportunities as they help to monitor and care for the trees planted in Arbor Month.
Food & Trees for Africa would also like to thank the sponsors who have already committed trees including: Camargue Underwriters, Nampak, Fidelity ADT, The Post Office, Eaton Hydraulics, Barloworld Isuzu Johannesburg, and Marriot Hotels Cape Town.
A special thanks to our ongoing sponsors who donate trees monthly: Urban Bistro, EcoCycle, Revolution Print – celebrating trees every month. Finally thanks to the ongoing sponsors who keep FTFA running year round: Kulula.com, City Lodge Hotel Group, and Avis Budget.
Donations big and small have enabled us to reach more beneficiaries, and to plant a legacy this Arbor Month.
About Food & Trees for Africa
Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA) is a leading Section 21 Social Enterprise that addresses food security and environmental sustainability. Its emphasis is on education and skills training, which is integrated with sensitive mentorship and phased support. With 27 years of experience in South African social development, FTFA understands what it takes to achieve real, long-term sustainability and want to make a positive difference to the lives of all South Africans
Contacts
Chris Wild (Food & Trees for Africa – 011 656 9802 – chris@trees.org.za)
Emily Jones (Food & Trees for Africa – 011 656 9802 – emily@trees.org.za)
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