Rotary Gives Thanks Tree Planting 2020
Pili Valderramo Castro, President of the Eco Rotary Club of Kaka’ako, together with DG Naomi Masuno, Rotary District 5000, rise up to the challenge to create positive change that will improve our environment for future generations by organizing a tree planting day on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 28th at Gunstock Ranch with Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative (HLRI).
Rotary International’s 2017 President, Ian Riseley said, “The time is long past when environmental sustainability can be dismissed as not Rotary’s concern. It is, and must be, everyone’s concern. Protecting the environment and curbing climate change are essential to Rotary’s goal of sustainable service.” Naomi Masuno, 2020 – 2021 District Governor for Hawaii Rotarians, and Pili Valderramo Castro are women of action and moved with immediacy to align Hawaii’s Rotarians with the Foundation’s newest focus to support the environment.
The Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative Team met with Naomi, Pili, and project coordinators from the Eco Rotary Club of Kaka’ako at Gunstock Ranch for a site visit and inspection to develop logistics to ensure a successful event.
Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative is pleased to support the efforts of these dedicated Rotarians.
Below is a reprint of Pili’s article from the District 5000 Vol. 1 newsletter.
Rotary Gives Thanks Day
By Pili Valderama President Eco Rotary Club of Kaka’ako
In 2019 the Eco Rotary Club of Kaka’ako joined D5000 and the Rotary world as a newly chartered club. The nexus behind such a club was to serve as a catalyst for environmental service in Hawaii. Within a year of chartering The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International approved adding “Supporting The Environment” as an area of focus. This year The Eco Rotary Club, with the support of many clubs in Hawaii, is leading a statewide initiative to plant 10,000 trees; with 5000 being planted on Oahu’s North Shore during Rotary Gives Thanks Day November 28, 2020. Through CO2 absorption, planting 10,000 trees will mitigate the impact that 480,000 pounds of carbon emissions has on climate change. For this project, all equipment and trees are provided, free onsite parking is available, holes are pre-dug so volunteers won’t dig holes and the event will comply with all COVID-19 safety guidelines. Funding is still needed to provide security, food and water. We appreciate all contributions of District Designated Funds. We're currently seeking two different types of volunteers: Leadership Team & Tree Planters. The leadership team will handle logistics and manage the event. Jobs assigned will vary based on the volunteer’s interests and abilities. To volunteer visit www.ecorotary.org click on Tree Planting 2020.
For more information, contact: Eco Rotary Club of Kaka’ako