Plant a tree in Ethiopia for Valentine’s day
Some people say it with flowers, others say it with trees. Caritas in northern Italy is giving lovers a chance to boost nutrition in Ethiopia on Valentine’s day this year.
The “Give with meaning” project ensures a family in Ethiopia is given a fruit tree every time someone buys flowers at a participating nursery in the South Tyrol for Valentine’s day.
“For Valentine’s Day, many give their loved one flowers. These are often produced in the poorer countries of the South under extremely precarious conditions,” says Judith Hafner from South Tyrolean Caritas.
“But with our project, whoever acquires a floral gift from our own local production in one of the 33 participating nurseries, can do good twice over.”
The project is run by Caritas along with the South Tyrolean Gardeners’ Association. It aims to reduce malnutrition in Ethiopia. Under-nutrition contributes to an estimated 58 percent of the deaths of children under five in Ethiopia.
In the project, the gardeners put 1 euro for each time flowers are bought towards a fruit tree for a family.
“In Ethiopia, these fruit trees are invaluable,” says Judith. “Mangoes, papayas and lemons supply children with valuable nutrients they need for a balanced diet. This in a country like Ethiopia, where much of the population suffers from under-and malnutrition,is of great importance.”
Last year the project financed 900 projects and warmed the hearts of numerous lovers.
Read the original story in German.