Acorn foundation plants seedlings at Yenzeni Home
MIDRAND - The Acorn Foundation is a foundation described as a not-a-hat-in-hand charity and that is passionate about all things green, by it's founding member and director, Sue Smit.
On 5 September for Arbour Day, the foundation brought together some of Gauteng’s most beautiful people to plant two trees at Yenzani Children’s Home.
Although the children were at school and couldn’t witness the planting of the indigenous magenta lilly pilly, also known as the magenta cherry, Smit hoped that they would learn from seeing them grow. “It’s therapeutic for the children to see them grow, and they will nurture them,” she said.
She enlisted the help of Mr and Miss Gauteng, Miss Earth South Africa and Miss Earth Air finalist.
Miss Earth South Africa, Ilze Saunders, who had barely been crowned 24 hours earlier, was put straight to work at the home, “It’s so exciting and heartwarming [to be here],” she said. “One tree is in my name. I wanted to do more and make a sustainable difference.”
Mr South Africa, Tanner Fox, has always had an interest in the environment. He said, “I got involved with the foundation, after I won my title. “They found out that I had been in construction and they chose me to be their ambassador.”
Miss Gauteng 2014/2015, Annemieke van Aarde, loved the experience of planting the trees. “I would like to carry on with charity work,” she said. “It is lovely to work together with the different titles to achieve a common goal.”
Vanessa Hale, who is the office manager at the home said she was pleased with the foundation’s deed. “They came to support us and it”s always good for the kids to see other people come and give of their time.”
She also believed that the trees were a sustainable donation. “It’s good for the environment and the trees they planted are specifically for this area,” beamed Hale.
