(Getting ready for 22 April 2010)Global Days of Service from 17 to 25 April 2010 will see millions of people around the globe working to make their communities and the world cleaner and more sustainable. In South Africa, Audi SA and Food & Trees for Africa will be distributing 1 300 trees over a space of 3 days to the residents of Olievenhoutbosch community north of Johannesburg. This event is held to celebrate the 40th Earth Day and contribute to this year’s theme, “A Billion Acts of Green.
Audi SA is donating a tree for every Audi sold in South Africa to disadvantaged communities. This green campaign began in 2009 and will continue to 2011, resulting in over 25 000 residents of settlements in Gauteng and other provinces participating in FTFA’s Trees for Homes programme. 800 trees has so far been distributed to 800 residents of Olievenhoutbosch over the past weekend. The distributed trees are meant to be planted to improve their low cost homes and settlements; and 600 unemployed community members will be trained and given some short term employment as Community Based Educators (CBEs). The result will be over 625 hectares of urban forest developed, and 9400 tons of carbon dioxide sequestered.
Audi SA’s initiative is transforming what used to be a dull and exposed developing community into a green and inspiring community. Their initiative is targeting Olievenhoutbosch community; a mixed housing development of approximately 100 000 people, which is located not far from the Audi offices in Midrand. Prior to development, the area was covered with blue gum trees. During the development of the area and the building of the houses and other structures, all the trees were cut down, leaving this area barren and dusty. Elizabeth Ngejane, an Olievenhoutbosch community member stated, “It is the great work of this corporate company that is not only changing our homes for the better but changing our lives too.”
Audi is pleased to have this opportunity to contribute to the community of Olievenhoutbosch and to become involved in celebrating the Global Days of Service and Earth Day with the residents and FTFA. As Ryan Searle from Audi said, “Lets plant trees and look after them and they will look after you.”
Earth Day observations and celebrations include all social sectors, nationalities and cultural groups. Earth Day is a successful catalyst for ongoing environmental education, action and change. Earth Day activities offer important points of entry to address worldwide environmental concerns as well as the opportunities for individuals and communities to focus on their local environmental problems. Local activities include clean-ups, restoration projects, tree planting innitiatives, water harvesting methods, parades, fairs, conferences, and concerts. Because Earth Day observances broaden the base of support for environmental programs, rekindle public commitment, and enroll participation from every social and business sector, they can be used to implement wide-scale programs that bring people together to act for the common good.
Audi and FTFA are taking a stand against climate change and improving the quality of life for indigent communities.To find out more about these events, or to attend, please contact tammy@trees.org.za.
NOTES TO EDITOR
Audi SA
Food & Trees for AfricaFTFA is South Africa’s national social enterprise that started in 1990 to address sustainable development through greening, climate change action, sustainable natural resource management and food security programmes. FTFA has distributed over 3.6 million trees, facilitated over 2 500 organic food gardens for the poorest in South Africa and launched the first carbon calculator and the Carbon Standard (now the Carbon Protocol) in this country. FTFA’s objectives are:• to contribute to greening, climate change action, sustainable natural resource management and food security;• to create awareness of the benefits of environmental improvement activities amongst all communities of southern Africa;• to contribute to poverty alleviation, sustainable development, enhanced environments, capacity building and skills developmentWorking in partnership, and with the support, endorsement and cooperation of government, the private and public sectors and civil society to achieve these aims, FTFA implements four programmes, namely: Trees for Homes and the National Tree Distribution Programmes (that are registered under the Carbon Protocol), Urban Greening and Food Gardening, and EduPlant, each with various projects. This proposal focuses on the tree programmes.
Many companies, government departments, aid agencies, organisations, media and individuals now contribute to FTFA, supporting programmes or projects that are leading to healthier lives of impoverished communities, more sustainable green environments and increased awareness of our impact on the planet and the need to address this. For a complete list of FTFA’s development partners, board members, patrons, employees and projects, as well as financial statements, please refer to the www.trees.co.za.
Earth Day 2010 Activities
Global Days of ServiceA key part of Earth Day's 40th Anniversary program is the Billion Acts of GreenT campaign, which will help mobilize one billion people around climate action. The massive collection of environmental service commitments will send a powerful message to positively drive efforts for solving climate change. Earth Day Network is coordinating large and small-scale projects-from tree plantings to school greenings and water projects, all geared to lower carbon footprints. In conjunction with community organizations, national, regional and local governments worldwide; actions will be counted toward a Billion Acts of Green. Global service activities have already begun. Audi and FTFA distributed 800 trees over the past weekend to Olievenhoutbosch communty.
The event was a success. The residents came in all forms; old and young; men and women; boys and girls. It was a great tree distribution day. Mr. Solomon Mondlane ensured that the event was captured on camera.
The residents were very happy as they carried their trees in different syles; some on their heads and some on their arms; and some carried one tree in pairs. They possed for pictures showing love and appreciation to the sponsor Audi, and to Food & Trees for Africa.
“We wish they could continue with their good work. We love their make, and we will continue to market them.” Said Mrs. Mokoena.
“This tree will be named after my coming child.’ Said one woman who is expecting a child.
“I’m glad that there are people who always put others first.” Said one man who was extremely happy.
“I like trees!” said a boy of 11 years who was happy to have come to collect a tree on behalf of his parents.
The focus now is on the up coming event on the 22nd April 2010 (Earth Day) to be held in the same communtiy of Olievenhoutbosch. Audi is still a proud sponsor of this event whereby 500 trees will be ditributed.
Global Day of ActionThe Global Day of Action on 22 April, 2010 (Earth Day) will act as a referendum on climate change. With one voice, the world's citizens will call on global leaders to address the need for urgent action to combat global warming.
Global Day of Celebration
On 25 April, 2010, in major cities around the world, hundreds of thousands of citizens are expected to celebrate Earth Day's achievements with large-scale events. The National Mall in Washington, D.C. is home to the annual flagship event, and several other cities will be chosen to host official events. Events will feature musical talent, speakers and eco-villages where attendees can learn how to adopt green practices in their daily lives.
About Earth Day NetworkEarth Day Network was founded on the premise that all people, regardless of race, gender, income, or geography, have a moral right to a healthy, sustainable environment. Our mission is to broaden and diversify the environmental movement worldwide, and to mobilize it as the most effective vehicle for promoting a healthy, sustainable environment. We pursue our mission through a combination of education, public policy, and consumer activism campaigns.
AUDI SA TREE CALENDAR 2010
16th March 2010 – Audi’s Launch Event and the distribution of 500 trees to Olievenhoutbosch
27th March 2010 – 500 trees were distributed in celebration of Earth Hour17 – 18 April – Global Days of Service, 800 trees were distributed.22nd April 2010 – in celebration of Earth Day 2010, a further 500 trees with be distributed to the residents29th April 2010 – To continue the Earth Day celebrations, 100 indigenous shade trees will be planted at the Audi SA distribution centre.22nd May 2010 – marks the International Day of Biodiversity – 500 trees will be distributed2nd & 5th June 2010 – 1 000 trees will be distributed during National Environment Week17th June 2010 – 500 trees will be distributed on World Day to Combat Desertification1st & 6th September 2010 – 1000 trees will be distributed in celebration of Arbor Month16th September 2010 – International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer – 350 trees will be distributed22nd October 2010 – In Celebration of the International Day of Climate Change Action on the 24th October, 350 trees will be distributed.
Audi SA’s initiative is transforming what used to be a dull and exposed developing community into a green and inspiring community. Their initiative is targeting Olievenhoutbosch community; a mixed housing development of approximately 100 000 people, which is located not far from the Audi offices in Midrand. Prior to development, the area was covered with blue gum trees. During the development of the area and the building of the houses and other structures, all the trees were cut down, leaving this area barren and dusty. Elizabeth Ngejane, an Olievenhoutbosch community member stated, “It is the great work of this corporate company that is not only changing our homes for the better but changing our lives too.”Audi is pleased to have this opportunity to contribute to the community of Olievenhoutbosch and to become involved in celebrating the Global Days of Service and Earth Day with the residents and FTFA. As Ryan Searle from Audi said, “Lets plant trees and look after them and they will look after you.”
Earth Day observations and celebrations include all social sectors, nationalities and cultural groups. Earth Day is a successful catalyst for ongoing environmental education, action and change. Earth Day activities offer important points of entry to address worldwide environmental concerns as well as the opportunities for individuals and communities to focus on their local environmental problems. Local activities include clean-ups, restoration projects, tree planting innitiatives, water harvesting methods, parades, fairs, conferences, and concerts. Because Earth Day observances broaden the base of support for environmental programs, rekindle public commitment, and enroll participation from every social and business sector, they can be used to implement wide-scale programs that bring people together to act for the common good.
Audi and FTFA are taking a stand against climate change and improving the quality of life for indigent communities.To find out more about these events, or to attend, please contact tammy@trees.org.za.
NOTES TO EDITOR
Audi SA
Food & Trees for AfricaFTFA is South Africa’s national social enterprise that started in 1990 to address sustainable development through greening, climate change action, sustainable natural resource management and food security programmes. FTFA has distributed over 3.6 million trees, facilitated over 2 500 organic food gardens for the poorest in South Africa and launched the first carbon calculator and the Carbon Standard (now the Carbon Protocol) in this country. FTFA’s objectives are:• to contribute to greening, climate change action, sustainable natural resource management and food security;• to create awareness of the benefits of environmental improvement activities amongst all communities of southern Africa;• to contribute to poverty alleviation, sustainable development, enhanced environments, capacity building and skills developmentWorking in partnership, and with the support, endorsement and cooperation of government, the private and public sectors and civil society to achieve these aims, FTFA implements four programmes, namely: Trees for Homes and the National Tree Distribution Programmes (that are registered under the Carbon Protocol), Urban Greening and Food Gardening, and EduPlant, each with various projects. This proposal focuses on the tree programmes.
Many companies, government departments, aid agencies, organisations, media and individuals now contribute to FTFA, supporting programmes or projects that are leading to healthier lives of impoverished communities, more sustainable green environments and increased awareness of our impact on the planet and the need to address this. For a complete list of FTFA’s development partners, board members, patrons, employees and projects, as well as financial statements, please refer to the www.trees.co.za.
Earth Day 2010 Activities
Global Days of ServiceA key part of Earth Day's 40th Anniversary program is the Billion Acts of GreenT campaign, which will help mobilize one billion people around climate action. The massive collection of environmental service commitments will send a powerful message to positively drive efforts for solving climate change. Earth Day Network is coordinating large and small-scale projects-from tree plantings to school greenings and water projects, all geared to lower carbon footprints. In conjunction with community organizations, national, regional and local governments worldwide; actions will be counted toward a Billion Acts of Green. Global service activities have already begun. Audi and FTFA distributed 800 trees over the past weekend to Olievenhoutbosch communty.
The event was a success. The residents came in all forms; old and young; men and women; boys and girls. It was a great tree distribution day. Mr. Solomon Mondlane ensured that the event was captured on camera.
The residents were very happy as they carried their trees in different syles; some on their heads and some on their arms; and some carried one tree in pairs. They possed for pictures showing love and appreciation to the sponsor Audi, and to Food & Trees for Africa.
“We wish they could continue with their good work. We love their make, and we will continue to market them.” Said Mrs. Mokoena.
“This tree will be named after my coming child.’ Said one woman who is expecting a child.
“I’m glad that there are people who always put others first.” Said one man who was extremely happy.
“I like trees!” said a boy of 11 years who was happy to have come to collect a tree on behalf of his parents.
The focus now is on the up coming event on the 22nd April 2010 (Earth Day) to be held in the same communtiy of Olievenhoutbosch. Audi is still a proud sponsor of this event whereby 500 trees will be ditributed.
Global Day of ActionThe Global Day of Action on 22 April, 2010 (Earth Day) will act as a referendum on climate change. With one voice, the world's citizens will call on global leaders to address the need for urgent action to combat global warming.
Global Day of Celebration
On 25 April, 2010, in major cities around the world, hundreds of thousands of citizens are expected to celebrate Earth Day's achievements with large-scale events. The National Mall in Washington, D.C. is home to the annual flagship event, and several other cities will be chosen to host official events. Events will feature musical talent, speakers and eco-villages where attendees can learn how to adopt green practices in their daily lives.
About Earth Day NetworkEarth Day Network was founded on the premise that all people, regardless of race, gender, income, or geography, have a moral right to a healthy, sustainable environment. Our mission is to broaden and diversify the environmental movement worldwide, and to mobilize it as the most effective vehicle for promoting a healthy, sustainable environment. We pursue our mission through a combination of education, public policy, and consumer activism campaigns.
AUDI SA TREE CALENDAR 2010
16th March 2010 – Audi’s Launch Event and the distribution of 500 trees to Olievenhoutbosch
27th March 2010 – 500 trees were distributed in celebration of Earth Hour17 – 18 April – Global Days of Service, 800 trees were distributed.22nd April 2010 – in celebration of Earth Day 2010, a further 500 trees with be distributed to the residents29th April 2010 – To continue the Earth Day celebrations, 100 indigenous shade trees will be planted at the Audi SA distribution centre.22nd May 2010 – marks the International Day of Biodiversity – 500 trees will be distributed2nd & 5th June 2010 – 1 000 trees will be distributed during National Environment Week17th June 2010 – 500 trees will be distributed on World Day to Combat Desertification1st & 6th September 2010 – 1000 trees will be distributed in celebration of Arbor Month16th September 2010 – International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer – 350 trees will be distributed22nd October 2010 – In Celebration of the International Day of Climate Change Action on the 24th October, 350 trees will be distributed.
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