Transform helps Tree Aid smash funding target

Transform magazine has helped humanitarian and environmental charity Tree Aid raise £638,091 to fund new work tackling deforestation and poverty in Mali.

The UK government matched donations to Tree Aid's 'She Grows' appeal after it beat a £250,000 funding target, with several donations made via the Transform website.

The appeal ran between 1 April and 30 June this year, raising money for a three-year project that aims to provide 1,000 women living in poverty with the tools and training needed to save and replant their local forest.

It will also help them set up small businesses so they can earn a sustainable living from the trees by processing and selling shea butter and honey.

This comes as the effects of climate change and deforestation become increasingly prevalent on the drylands of Africa, where women are expected to feed their families from some of the direst land in the world.

“We are so grateful to everyone who supported our appeal and we are looking forward to helping 1,000 women transform their lives and environment at this very critical time,“ said Tree Aid CEO John Moffett. “People in the drylands of Africa are among the most vulnerable in the world to the effects of climate change. Women especially depend on the land, but a vicious cycle of deforestation, climate change and land degradation is making their lives more difficult.

“Thankfully, trees offer hope and a practical solution to the climate crisis.“You can find out more about the She Grows project here: bit.ly/2Biy4kb