Tree planting project gets boost

The Walkers Institute for Regenerative Research Education and Design (WIRRED), a local non-profit organization that focuses on improving communities and the natural environment by supporting a range of ecosystem services, has received a major boost from the Cable & Wireless Charitable Foundation (CWCF).

The grant will assist WIRRED to achieve the goal of one of its major projects to plant 285,000 trees in Barbados, or ‘One Tree for Every Bajan’.

The project is geared towards building communities and stronger ecosystems in the wake of threats from natural and manmade hazards. The CWCF was established by C&W Communications (C&W), the parent company of Flow and C&W Business, in the aftermath of the devastating hurricanes of 2017.

Since then, CWCF has been partnering with organisations across the region to help with recovery and sustainability programs. This latest donation of US$100,000 to WIRRED is a continuation of this regional commitment.

In addition to the cash donation, the partnership will also leverage the communications assets of Flow and C&W Business to help create a sense of urgency around the need to protect and rehabilitate the island’s natural resources.

“Partnerships with the private sector are critical to development at the local, national and regional levels, and WIRRED’s partnership with C&W is a perfect example of the key role that the private sector can play in stewarding environmental consciousness and responsibility,” said Kiesha Farnum, Managing Director, WIRRED.

“We are proud to partner with the CWCF and Flow as we work towards connecting and reconnecting individuals, communities and organisations to their environment in Barbados and the wider region.”

The partnership with WIRRED also coincides with Flow’s recent announcement of a market-leading approach for consumers to create moments that “Move Us Forward” through its new triple-play bundles. “This is a doubly special moment for us as we continue to find new and exciting ways to delight our customers while demonstrating our commitment to national development,” said Marilyn Sealy, Senior Manager, Communications, Southern Caribbean, Flow.

“We are proud to support the important work of WIRRED as we demonstrate our commitment to move ‘Upward and Onward’ in our investments, our customers and the broader community.”

WIRRED is committed to enhancing the ecosystem to help communities adapt and be resilient in the face of climate change and is currently managing ‘The Walkers Quarry Regeneration Project’ by actively returning quarried areas to ecological health as operations come to a close at the site in St. Andrew. (PR)