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At Ecobox, we believe that everyone can play a role in building a healthier and more sustainable future. As a South African company, we also recognise the importance of tackling poverty – and especially hunger – in our communities.
For these reasons and more, we donate 1% of all our hire revenue to Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA). We believe that this organization is doing vitally important work and are proud to assist in any ways we can.
What Food & Trees for Africa does
Since 1990, Food & Trees for Africa has been planting trees and setting up sustainable food gardens in vulnerable communities.
So far, this award-winning, not-for-profit organisation has planted upwards of 4.5 million trees and thousands of permaculture gardens, which continue to provide food and improve landscapes in poor areas.
Tackling poverty at grassroots level
Food & Trees for Africa doesn’t just plant. Its mission is to make real, long-term, positive differences to the lives of South Africans. Accordingly, the organisation focuses on education and skills training, which is integrated with mentoring and phased support programmes.
Through its programmes, Food & Trees for Africa helps equip people in poor communities with the resources, skills and support to feed themselves, and to enhance their immediate environments.
As well as facilitating the planting of trees and sustainable food gardens, Food & Trees for Africa is the driving force behind the success of a coterie of small-scale organic farmers. It provides these farmers with the infrastructure and expertise required to get small-batch produce to local and international markets.
Why Food & Trees for Africa needs our support
Without the financial backing of corporate South Africa, the National Lotteries Board and the public, an initiative of this magnitude simply wouldn’t be possible.
Transporting and planting just one tree requires funding and help from volunteers.
Even with valued time and effort from volunteers, providing the know-how, seeds, mulch and manure for natural food gardens is expensive – and the cost of providing three years of support, which is central to the sustainability of the gardens, is estimated at R150 000 per plot.
The costs associated with training and mentoring emerging farmers over a three- to five-year period and of sourcing viable markets are even higher.
How can you get involved?
As a business owner or individual, you can donate funds to Food & Trees for Africa, or purchase annual membership. You can also choose to buy one or more trees as a gift, to assist people who are living in sterile, dusty environments or to enhance a school or clinic in a particular place.
Please note that at Ecobox, we don’t accept or handle donations for the organisation – rather contact Food & Trees for Africa directly.
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