Barloworld is giving trees – a gift that keeps on giving – to the community of Chief Luthuli Park this week. “Climate change and environmental considerations are central components of Barloworld’s ethos of responsible corporate citizenship. It is also their imperative to empower previously disadvantaged individuals and uplift communities in South Africa, to the benefit of all,” says Nolundi Ningi, appeals secretary at Barloworld South Africa.

Chief Luthuli Park, near Daveyton in the East Rand, is a new settlement. Most of the people staying in the RDP houses were relocated from informal settlements nearby and many of them live on government grants. This is as a result of a high unemployment rate, particularly among the youth. The RDP houses are situated in a dusty area with very few trees. Now, over a thousand residents will receive 1 250 trees from Barloworld through Food & Trees for Africa’s (FTFAs), Trees for Homes Programme.

Trees for Homes is registered under the Verified Carbon Standard to sink carbon, a major greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. These 1 250 trees will sequester 461 tons of carbon dioxide over the next 15 years. In addition, they will green the surroundings, settle the dust, reduce noise pollution, provide shade, improve the aesthetics and promote biodiversity.

At the initial event, the company will distribute 500 trees to Chief Luthuli Park, Extension 3. Follow on distributions will take place at Extension’s 5 and 6, where the remaining 750 trees will be distributed.

In addition to planting a tree for every employee globally for its centennial in 2003, the group has long supported FTFA, planting trees every year since. The group celebrated the 110th anniversary of its founding this year. “Barloworld has distinguished itself as an organisation that operates ethically and with integrity. Despite repositioning itself numerous times over the 110 years, it always emerges with the same commitment to the community and environment,” says Ningi.