Members of TLC and Free Tree Society planting a sapling at the Shelter Home for Children as part of their partnership in green empowerment and education.
A BUDDING effort on our part, a bountiful harvest for our future.
With this goal in mind, the Truly Loving Company (TLC) Malaysia and the Free Tree Society hosted a workshop on gardening and basic planting.
Partnering up to inspire people to care for the community and environment via children-focused empowerment and education, the workshop was attended by five beneficiary associations.
Participants were given the opportunity to learn interactive planting and composting, as well as taught the basics of plant care.
The associations also received a donation of RM10,000 each to support their mission in serving the community.
The attendees were from the Handicapped and Mentally Disabled Children Association Johor, National Stroke Association of Malaysia, Rumah Aman Shelter Home for Children, Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation-National Centre, as well as students from the ELC International School.
This cooperation comes after TLC, a social enterprise focusing on eco-friendly household cleaning products, sponsored the NGO’s Kelak Gelak Fund, which provides fruiting trees and edible plants to orphanages and children’s shelters.
A pupil from Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation caring for a plant gifted by TLC and Free Tree Society.
With TLC’s support, multiple fruit trees and plants were given to the society’s beneficiaries and planted in their compounds.
Carolyn Lau, president of Free Tree Society, said the NGO distributes thousands of plants each year and holds educational workshops for the public, young children and corporate groups.
“Since 2012, we have given away over 52,000 plants as part of our commitment to creating a greener world,” she said.
On Kelak Gelak, Lau said the Malay phrase meaning “to laugh later” was chosen to reflect the campaign’s message.
“The message is for children to embrace the experience of planting the trees now and reaping the rewards of a bountiful harvest later,” she said.
TLC founder and chief executive officer Julia Chong also emphasised on building a sustainable future.
“As we work towards a greener future, we must remember that our children deserve a world that is sustainable and healthy.
“We collaborated with Free Tree Society to provide these fruit trees to orphanages and children’s centres, which not only helps build a sustainable environment but also teaches the younger generation to appreciate and care for the green spaces around them.
“This may be a small step, but every step towards a greener future is a step worth taking,” she added.
TLC has also introduced Malaysia’s first TLC Green Refill vending machine at Village Grocer in 1Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, as a CSR initiative.
“We do not want this to be a one-off initiative and we hope to do more for the community,” said Chong.
The company offers a “Green” range of products made from plant-based, non-toxic, biodegradable and environmentally-friendly ingredients.
Since its incorporation, TLC has raised almost RM2mil to support 41 charities, Chong said.
