The Simplicity Charitable Trust has made a donation to Trees that Count to plant 15,000 native trees.

We started planting trees last year, after members told us that the environment and climate change were among their top concerns. Planting trees is a simple and effective way to mitigate climate change and enhance native wildlife habitats around New Zealand.

We are planting a tree for every Simplicity member and this latest donation brings the total trees planted to 45,000. With Simplicity growing fast the target is always moving, but we hope to reach 59,000+ trees later this year (Our current membership numbers).

To find out more about where our trees are being planted check out the Simplicity page on Trees that Count.

This donation was part of the Trust’s biggest funding round to date, over $316,000. 

Four other donations were made: 

Simplicity will be providing a scholarship for one student through the First Foundation, which has provided over 700 tertiary scholarships over the past 22 years. First Foundation believe all young people should have the opportunity to achieve their dreams irrespective of socio-economic status. The scholarships assist academically talented students to achieve their potential through tertiary education, mentorship and work experience.

Take2 is an innovative education programme training people in prison to become software developers and helping provide meaningful employment opportunities post-prison. It follows UK and USA initiatives that have proven highly effective in raising the employment level of released prisoners and preventing reoffending. Simplicity funds will be used to develop the programme and expand into a second prison.

Nelson based conservation charity, Brook Waimārama Sanctuary Trust (BWST), is working hard to protect New Zealand’s native fauna and flora. It is the largest fenced haven for endangered plants and creatures in the South Island. With Simplicity’s support the Brook Waimārama team will be able to improve the visitor experience and ensure the long-term sustainability of the Sanctuary.

National charity Pillars, supports children and families that have a parent in prison. Children of prisoners are around 10 x more likely to go to prison than other kiwi kids. Pillars works to create more positive pathways for young people and break the cycle of intergenerational offending.  Down in Christchurch, Simplicity will help the Pillars team meet increasing demand for social and mentoring services. 

You can find out more about the Simplicity Charitable Trust here.