The Rotary Club of New Dawn Johannesburg celebrated the first day of spring and Arbor Week with a tree-planting ceremony in Zoo Lake Park. The tree, an indigenous African olive, was chosen by managing director of the Zoo Lake Users Committee Fran Haslam for its drought and frost resistance, large shady canopy and the fruit it provides for birds.
To mark the day, club members wore spring bonnets and flamboyant bow ties. The celebration had 60 attendees which included both the young and old. The event opened with the induction of five new members to the club, by Graham Donet, interim president of the Rotary Club.
“This initiative is a partnership between the Rotary Club of New Dawn Johannesburg and the Zoo Lake Users Committee, as well as Joburg City Parks and Zoo. We are hoping that the partnership will blossom, grow and flourish like we hope the tree will do,” said Haslam.
Linda Vink and Helene Bramwell were the winners of the spring bonnet prizes as they wore the most beautiful bonnets on the day. The tree-planting ceremony was also dedicated to receive feedback about one of the club’s signature projects, The Link Literacy Project. The project is dedicated to teaching Grade 1and 2 learners how to read and to equip them with numeracy skills and has raised R500 000 from donors overseas.
“Rotary International has made the environment one of its core areas of focus. This is a global initiative to recognise the importance of delivering for the environment,” said Ian Widdop, president of the Rotary Club of New Dawn Johannesburg.
“Planting a tree in Johannesburg on Arbor Day seemed like the right way to get some energy going.”
The programme of the day was closed with the planting of the 2m-high tree by Fran Haslam, supported by representatives from Urban Agriculture Initiative, a key Rotary partner, Frolinah Malaza, Qaqambile Fobisi and Sabelo Zitha. The tree was planted close to the kiosk at the old Moyo car parking at Zoo Lake.
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