"We are particularly fond of this project because it assists lower income families, and at the same time improves our environment. This great initiative gives couples the opportunity to give back to the community whilst celebrating their momentous occasion. The commitment sprouting from their love for each other transcends and touches the lives of communities in the form of food, shelter and clean air," said Larry Brown, Founder of Browns.
Khutsong was selected as a beneficiary of the 500 trees because of the increase of RDP housing in the area. "Browns decided to invest their trees in this community as they felt that it would make a difference in the lives of those who live there", said Tinashe Mutoredzanwa, Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA) Programme and Carbon manager.
FTFA has partnered with Browns since 2009 and this has already seen over 2,500 trees planted. The Browns Plum Tree Project is a project aimed at providing fruit bearing trees in low-income communities. The project is particularly close to the heart of the Browns founder because it directly affects the lives of children.
"Browns specifically chose fruit trees as they wanted children to have the opportunity to experience up-close the wonder of nature's cycles, the abundance of harvest and finally to enjoy a tangible sweet result of the fruit. It has been an absolute pleasure to have been part of this Browns initiative, the Browns team is very enthusiastic about their project especially the lives it touches. Through this initiative Browns has continued to show great support for the needy communities in South Africa. Many lives have been touched and improved by this great company," continued Mutoredzanwa.
The 500 trees, planted through FTFA's Trees for Homes programme, in Khutsong will improve the value of the properties and uplift the quality of life in this area. In addition, the trees will sequestrate approximately 185 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and they will assist in building a green community by creating 13 hectares of urban forest. This intiative will also lead to short term employment of 10 unemployed residents of Khutsong.
For more information about this event, or to attend, please contact FTFA on 011 656 9802 or e-mail az.gro.seert@ofni.
