“If you would know strength and patience, welcome the company of trees.” Author Hal Borland

Twenty food trees were planted at Witkoppen Primary School on William Nicol Drive in Fourways in celebration of National Arbour Week 2018 (1-7 September) on 31 August by Tsogo Sun (https://www.tsogosun.com) and its environmental partner, Miss Earth SA, along with the group’s flagship casino and leisure destination, Montecasino (https://www.tsogosun.com/montecasino), and Servest SA, to contribute to the food security of the learners and the environmental upliftment of the school. Witkoppen Primary is the only no-fees school in Fourways.

The trees were planted by Tsogo Sun Volunteers (from Head Office and Montecasino), Miss Earth SA 2018 finalists and Witkoppen School learners.  The trees and gardening equipment were donated by Servest, facilities management supplier to Montecasino, who also provided their expertise to ensure that the trees flourish and bear fruit.  The donated trees included olive, peach, plum and apricot – all of which are water-wise and capable of thriving in the Highveld climate.

Mike Page, GM of Montecasino, says the property is pleased to once again be collaborating with the community to support Witkoppen Primary, which earlier this year received a donation of a 50m ClearVu fence and gate in a joint community project with Hot 91.9 and Montecasino. “The children of Witkoppen Primary receive a meal each day which, for many, is their only guaranteed meal. The planting of fruit trees will ensure that, in the long term, the children benefit from the addition of healthy fruit to their diet, at no additional cost. Each grade will be given two trees to nurture, protect and be responsible for, providing them with an understanding that has the potential to be life changing. Planting trees is a long-term investment in the school environment, and this initiative will contribute to a greener and healthier future for children for generations to come.”

In addition to the donation of the trees, Servest provided a variety of maintenance services, including repairing the school’s borehole, cleaning the school premises, cutting the grass and preparing the soil for planting the trees, while Hot 91.9 donated stationery and books for the children as part of their Hot Cares programme.

Comments Nathan Dauncey, Regional Manager, Servest Landscaping, “Servest is hugely thankful and proud to take part in this initiative with Tsogo Sun, our business partner, as part of our commitment and shared philosophy.  We truly hope that our contribution will add value to the lives of the children and school staff, who will enjoy a long-term benefit from our contribution.”

Tsogo Sun’s GM of Corporate Affairs, Candy Tothill says, “Tsogo Sun observes Arbour Week every year in recognition of the significance of trees and forests to sustaining life on our planet.  According to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries, trees help fight the effects of climate change. A tree can absorb as much as 22kg of carbon dioxide per year and can sequester one ton by the time it reaches 40 years old. One large tree can provide a day’s supply of oxygen for up to four people.  We are pleased to partner with likeminded organisations such as the Miss Earth South Africa and Servest SA who, like Tsogo Sun and our flagship Montecasino, are interested in making a meaningful contribution to our communities.”

Ella Bella Constantinides Leite, Director of the Miss Earth SA Leadership Programme, says, “The first documented tree planting festival was celebrated in Spain in 1594 where it is believed that Arbour Day started. For years after this, the ritual of planting trees has spread across the world. In South Africa we celebrate and plant trees for an entire week in National Arbour Week. As the Miss Earth team we take the opportunity with partners such as Tsogo Sun, Montecasino, Servest, and SAPPI to plant, educate and green different communities in honour of this celebrated international event.”

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