In a joint effort to support Rwanda's environmental agenda, SKOL Brewery Ltd. (SBL) and Orion Basketball Club on Saturday, April 27, took to the streets of Karuruma Cell, in Gatsata Sector, Gasabo District, for a tree-planting campaign dubbed ‘One Shot One Tree.’
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The activity, which coincided with the monthly Umuganda community service, saw the two partners and local residents plant fruit trees around Gatsata Health Centre, underlining the power of collective action in environmental protection and preservation.
The tree-planting initiative underscores the partnership that SKOL Brewery Ltd. (SBL) and Orion Basketball Club (BBC) signed in January which will see 6,000 trees planted in Kigali throughout 2024.
Through the partnership, SKOL pledged to plant 50 trees for every goal scored by Rayon Women Football Club, representing a novel approach to environmental sustainability in sports.
SKOL Brewery Ltd General Manager, SKOL Brewery Ltd shareholder Thibault Relecom and Orion Basketball Club Founder and President James Mutabazi were among dignitaries who participated in the tree-planting activity.
After the activity, Eric Gilson, the General Manager of SKOL Brewery Ltd., commended the initiative as impactful to the communities.
"As a company, we are committed to contributing to the development and sustainability of our society,” Gilson said.
"Not only did we plant trees along roadsides, but we also distributed fruit trees to the residents of Karuruma Cell. We hope that, in due time, they will be able to harvest the fruits of these trees and enjoy the benefits."
On his part, James Mutabazi, the president Orion BBC which is championing the tree-planting campaign, remarked on the success of the initiative which he said is "already yielding positive results, just as we had envisioned.”
"By collaborating with companies and institutions, we are able to plant more trees and involve more people in our efforts. It's a joy to see this initiative bearing fruit," he added.
It’s an initiative that was hailed by residents in Karuruma who are looking forwards to harvesting fruit from the trees planted which they believe will not only protect environment but also help improve their health.
"It's wonderful that they gave me an avocado tree and a mango tree. I'm excited to see them bear fruits soon,” Marie Chantal Mukamana, one of the residents who benefited from the initiative told The New Times.
Not only will I be able to feed my family with these fruits, but I might even earn some income from selling them. This is a great benefit to us!"
In addition to the 'One Shot One Tree' initiative, SKOL Brewery Ltd has been a trailblazer in environmental sustainability efforts in Rwanda, exemplified by the introduction of Virunga, the country's first locally produced water in returnable glass bottles.
This commitment reflects the company's goal to drive responsible development and empower local communities while fostering economic growth of Rwandans and the country at large.