The Tree Challenge 2016

The first thing that would come to the mind of most Kenyans when the name Guinness is mentioned would be beer. Well, I wont be talking about alcohol here for now but this relates to the Guinness World Records. Most of us probably have totally no idea of any Kenyan or events relating to Kenya that feature in the Guinness World Record Books. Personally the last one i can recall is Kimani Maruge as the oldest pupil.
That aside, here is a chance to be part of a world record breaking fete on 11th November 2016 by taking part in the Tree Challenge, an event organized by the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) under the Sustainable Environment Restoration Programme (SERP) initiative whose main aim is to acheive a sustainable natural environment in Kenya.
The Tree Challenge 2016 is a tree planting marathon whose goal is to plant 5 million trees in one hour in various locations by engaging people in planting ecologically suitable tree species in an event that will run concurrently at the various sites throughout the country and if successful will break the current world record that is held by a NGO in Phillipines which stands at 2.2 million trees in 1 hour. Kenya aims to double that figure come November 5th.
The Kenya Red Cross have also come up with the Adopt-a-Tree initiative that will help support this course through appealing for donations. This will help to develop a sense of ownership in environmental conservation efforts to those who will be involved.

To register one can SMS the word 'tree' to 20767 or by visiting the SERP website (http://www.serp.or.ke). You can support through following these steps;

MPESA.
Select Pay bill number from menu
Enter business no - input 10000
Enter Account number - tree
Enter amount (ksh. 350) you want to send and confirm your pin
You and the recipient will receive a Confirmation SMS

Airtel money.
Select Airtel money
Select send money
Enter nick name - input redcross
Enter amount you want to send and confirm your pin
Enter reference - tree
You will receive a confirmation SMS

Lets come out and support to help increase our forest cover. A few people have felt locked out since their towns are not among those in the list of participating locations but they can still organize our own exercises locally that would help in environmental conservation. Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook through #treechallenge and keep yourself updated.