Pick N Pay -World Environment Week - 3 June 2010

“Trees are good for shade; they are good for fruits and they help us fight against global warming.” Shouted Solomon Mondlane using a loud hailer inviting the residents of Cosmo City to come and collect their trees. “Pick N Pay and other sponsors like Fruit tree, Aqua matrix, UNEP are proud sponsors of 540 trees to be distributed in this community. Come and have yours. One thing I like about trees is that, ‘when you want to say sweet words to your love one, you can say it politely under a tree. So come and take your tree’” continued Mr. Mondlane.

It was a lovely afternoon on 3 June 2010. 540 trees were to be distributed to the community of Cosmo City. All was set; the Community Based Educators were standing on their positions; and trees had labeled with the main sponsor’s logo.

The event started at 14h00 with guests from Pick N Pay and Aquamatrix. Ms. Mookho Chaka, FTFA Community Forester entertained the community by asking them questions related to the event. Those who got the answers right were rewarded with hand spades and products from Aquamatrix.

The event started on the high note with the Programme Director, Solomon Mondlane making jokes and branding the trees with all the good words like they were human beings. Amongst the guests was the FTFA-Trees for Homes Programme Manager, Joanne Rolt. Pick N Pay was represented by Ms.Lena Toko and Aquamatrix was represented by its Marketing Manager, Mr. Wessel Vlok. On our presence was also the new FTFA-Trees for Homes Administrator, Tammi Human.

Mr. Mondlane introduced the residents to a new Pick N Pay song he composed, and he also assured them that they would “Pick a tree and Not Pay”. He said to the laughter of the residents.

The first speaker was Ms. Jennifer Mbushe, who represented the ward counselor of the area. She thanked the Sponsor and FTFA for being with the community for a long time, distributing trees to the community of Cosmo City. “Pick N Pay does not only give trees but also food parcels to the community. We thank them for giving back to the community.” She said. “FTFA is our long time friends. If I had strength, I would give them houses here to stay.” She said. She thanked the community and everyone for coming and celebrating the World Environment week

Ms. Mookho Chaka was the next speaker. She briefed the community about FTFA and its programmes, and the purpose of planting trees. “FTFA is the pioneer of greening in South Africa and it is celebrating 20 years in this field.” She said.

We also had Mr. Wessel from Aquamatrix who introduced the community to their product that saves water when watering a tree. “A tree is the most important living thing in the world; it also out live many species that exist around the world. Make sure you take care of it.” Said Mr. Wessel who was speaking through an interpreter. His product was so amazing on how it hold the water together.

Mr. Wessel did the practical tree demonstration and demonstrated how one can use the aquamatrix product.

We had the speaker from Pick N Pay, Lena Toko who was happy to be part of the community on the week where the world was celebrating the environment. “We want to see the community taking care of all the trees and teaching the little ones not to destroy them.” She also announced that a Pick N pay shop would be built in the area so that it can benefit the community. The community was pleased to hear that.

Ms. Jennifer was called to give a vote of thanks. After that the community was taught how to plant a tree.

Everyone got his/her tree, the aqua matrix products and a packet of juice. It was smiles to everyone who was there.

The event went very well, and the community was thankful to Pick N pay, Aquamatrix, Fruit tree and to FTFA for what they were doing for the community of Cosmo City.