In recognition of National Tree Planting Day, the Best Dressed Chicken partnered with the Forestry Department to gift 150 ornamental plants and locally grown fruit trees to five schools within the neighbouring communities of its operations in St Catherine.

The schools that benefited included the Institute of Vocational and Professional Training (IVPT) and Spring Gardens Primary School in Spring Village, High House Basic & McCook Primary School in McCook’s Pen and White Marl Primary School.

Arielle Oliver, brand manager of The Best Dressed Chicken, who was among the cadre of tree-planting volunteers on the day, emphasised the importance of the company’s support towards fighting against climate change and promoting sustainable environmental practices.

“We are so excited to be championing sustainable practices across our operations and more so to be taking it to the community level. These five schools we partnered with today are among our immediate neighbours and it is such a pleasure to get involved and teach our young people how they can contribute positively to the environment while supporting them in their development plans. This type of social and community impact reflects our core values as we play our part in building an improved shared future,” said Oliver.

She added that the schools were selected based on the company’s ongoing partnership with each institution, arising from its mandate to continuously engage and build the communities in which its operations are located.

Acting principal of the Spring Gardens Primary, Maria Gayle, expressed her gratitude for the contribution to the school.

“We are truly grateful to the Best Dressed Chicken team for taking on this initiative. The trees will not only bring additional shade to the school grounds, but we also hope to reap fruits in the near future,” said Gayle.

National Tree Planting Day was first observed in 2003, as part of the Forestry Department’s celebration of its 65th year of exemplary service to the island of Jamaica. The day’s observance promotes the value of forests and trees while providing an opportunity for everyone to contribute to increasing the island’s forest cover and beautifying the surroundings through tree planting.

“We thank Best Dressed Chicken for coming on board to participate in National Tree Planting Day and look forward to their support next year to plant 1,000 trees. Every tree counts!” said Jerome Smith, principal director, Forest Operations, Forestry Department. 

National Tree Planting Day is a major national project aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change.