GreenPop Day of 1000 Trees

Since BOS first entered the South African market in June 2010, BOS committed to planting 1 tree in a under-green communities for every 2000 cans of BOS sold. After carefully reviewing various potential partners, in mid-2010 we chose the newly established and very energetic Greenpop to assist us with executing our social and greening commitments.

Greenpop, a non-profit initiative, turned 1 on the 1^st of September and decided to dedicate the whole of September as Arbour Month. To celebrate South Africa’s natural heritage Greenpop organised Day of 1000 Trees on National Heritage Day. This initiative saw community members and school learners of Manenberg near Cape Town as well as volunteers coming together to plant 1000 indigenous trees in 1 day. The day’s base camp was located at Proudly Manenberg, Manenberg Community Centre, at the Manenberg Waterfront. There the day begun with all 500 volunteers registering, being put into their tree-planting groups, learning the tree-planting stretch dance, and getting hyped-up for a day of planting by Greenpop’s Misha Teasdale. In the spirit of National Heritage Day the Red River School choir gave a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem.

The 500 volunteers were split into 12 tree planting locations – schools, the community sports ground, the local police station, community gardens and the Manenberg Waterfront. Greenpop delegates demonstrated to each group the proper way to plant a tree – most importantly being to decorate it, name it, love it and distribute group high-5s all around it.

Once 999 trees were planted everyone re-gathered at Proudly Manenberg to plant an enormous tree joined by the Minister of Human Settlements who also said a few words. The day ended with a big Braai, thank yous, music and celebrations (In the spirit of National Braai Day). BOS Ice Tea was given to all volunteers with their lunch and in the swelteringly hot mid-day heat after planting for 3 hours the ice cold drinks went down like a bomb!

Day of 1000 trees was such a tremendous success! BOS is so proud to be affiliated with such an open-hearted, actively positive organisation such as Greenpop which shows how much possibility and room for Growth, empowerment and sustainability there is in underprivileged communities in our Country.  We wish Greenpop a very Happy 1^st birthday and all the best for their future endeavours! BOS will support you every step of the way!