AUSTRALIAN Apex clubs members, together with their Klang counterparts, teamed up for a tree-planting initiative to promote environmental stewardship.
“It was a simple way to address heatwaves that regularly make headlines.
“Strategically planting trees and shrubs gave us an opportunity to foster fellowship, friendship and community service,” said Apex Club of Klang president Anil Menon.
The Association of Apex Clubs is a global service organisation which undertake community service and fellowship activities.
Clubs worldwide adopt and organise their own local tree-planting events as part of a collective Apex Global Tree-Planting Initiative.
Anil said 50 shrubs and fruit trees that included rambutan, mango and guava were planted on the grounds of the Selangor Association for Mentally Handicapped (SAMH) in Southern Park, Klang.
He said the project united Apex members with a common environmental goal.
“Our action demonstrates a commitment to reduce carbon footprint,” he said.
Apex Global chairman Simon Grant, an Australian, said strategically planting trees and shrubs to shade the classrooms at SAMH could lower air, wall and roof temperatures during heatwaves.
“There are lots of other reasons to plant trees. Besides providing food and housing for birds and insects, trees give clean air as they soak up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as there is high traffic on Jalan Langat that borders SAMH,” he added.
Anil said Apex Club of Klang chose SAMH because the Australian Apex Clubs had built SAMH in the 1980s.
“It was a nostalgic return for some to refurbish the building that still serves the special children,” he added.
Apex Club of Fraser Coast, Queensland (Australia) member Quinn Fattik said he spent three days with other Apex members to refurbish the classrooms, toilets and surroundings of SAMH.
“Our members volunteered to paint the building of the special school, repair the toilets and repaint the building,” said Fattik, who was accompanied by his wife and two children.
“The Klang Apex Club is grateful to the 14 Australian Apex Clubs and individuals who have contributed their time to upgrade SAMH special school and those who were involved in the tree planting,” said Anil.
