Rooted in the rolling hills of Mzansi, a chorus of hope rises from fertile ground. Sweetwaters Farmers, Includid Community Garden, and Kunothile Agricultural Primary Co-operative – these are not just gardens, they are testaments to the power of community, purpose, and a little help from BLUU Car Rental and Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA).
“At the heart of the partnership lies the core belief that businesses can be a force for good, driving meaningful change in the communities they serve,” says Chris Wild, executive director of FTFA.
He adds that BLUU Car Rental and FTFA have shown that profit and purpose can go hand-in-hand, demonstrating that businesses can play a pivotal role in creating a better and more sustainable future for all South Africans.
The first phase of this partnership saw the planting of 375 trees across multiple beneficiaries in KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, and Gauteng. These trees are not merely a symbol of greening and reforestation; they represent a collective effort to combat climate change and preserve the environment for future generations.
Each tree planted embodies a commitment to mitigating the adverse effects of climate change, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier planet.
The partnership further aimed to ensure that corporate social responsibility impacts went beyond climate action to empowering those most affected with the knowledge and resources to sustainably grow their own food.
Food security and food sovereignty are becoming increasingly important in the face of escalating natural disasters, geopolitical stressors and hiking food prices that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities.
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To begin addressing food security challenges, BLUU Car Rental has funded the distribution of FTFA’s permaculture starter packs to three beneficiaries:
- Includid Community Garden, born from drought’s ashes, nourishes 70 residents and 25 staff with organic bounty. Their permaculture training equips them with not just food, but the skills to thrive, potentially even turning their passion into a sustainable livelihood.
- Kunothile, a vibrant tapestry of 100% organic produce, feeds their community and schools while teaching children the magic of growing their food. Their vision stretches beyond the garden, aiming to register as an NPO and create a thriving agricultural social enterprise, empowering their community through skills and job creation.
- And then there’s Sweetwaters, driven by a passion for women’s empowerment. BLUU Car Rental and FTFA’s Permaculture Starter Packs (PSPs) have been game-changers, providing resources and training to transform home gardens into flourishing, self-sustaining farms.
“The impact of this partnership extends far beyond the immediate beneficiaries. It sets a precedent for how businesses can and should engage in meaningful corporate social responsibility,” says Robyn Hills, head of programmes at Food & Trees for Africa.
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