Trees for Survival national manager Phil Lyons is encouraging people to give a donation this Christmas to help their environmental education programme expand to more schools across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Phil said it was wonderful to see more people choosing to give the gift of a tree or a charitable donation for birthdays, anniversaries, or Christmas in lieu of a more traditional gift.
“A donation is an ideal gift for those people who seem to have everything, and a great way to show support for an amazing school programme that delivers real change to the community,” Lyons said.
“Each donation received helps expand the Trees for Survival programme to more schools, to protect more at-risk land against the changing climate, and nurture a greater love for the environment from a young age.”
Lyons said the generous support of New Zealanders had enabled Trees for Survival to successfully plant more than 2 million native plants since the charitable trust was established in 1991.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generous support of not only our principal partners, partners and supporters, but also those who have joined our Trees for Survival community as a regular donor.”
“Every donation matters, regardless of the amount.”
Every year, Trees for Survival plants over 100,000 native plants, in collaboration with thousands of New Zealand students, landowners, schools, communities and corporate partners.
Each native plant is grown and nurtured by students during school and planted in areas they’re needed the most – next to streams, wetlands and erosion-prone hillsides, to help protect the whenua, added Lyons.
The Trees for Survival school programme receives vital funding from government and corporate partners, but a growing community of regular donors was greatly appreciated.
Trees for Survival donations can be made here, with people able to choose to donate from only $1 per day, with a one-off or regular donation.
Lyons added donations can also be gifted on behalf of someone else, a great option more people were choosing for those most difficult to buy for. Lyons said people could also choose to leave a legacy with a will bequest to Trees for Survival to show their enduring support.
“Giving a will bequest is truly the ultimate gift. It’s a simply wonderful way to make a profound impact on New Zealand and ensure your gift will last for generations to come.”
