"We realise the importance of finding a balance between our business interests and the obligations we owe to the environment, our workers and our community", said Larry Brown, Designer and Director of Browns The Diamond Store, at a recent press launch of the Browns Plumtree Project. He said that Browns believe that it is the responsibility of companies such as theirs to lead the way, make changes to combat climate change and support the development of local communities.

One such community is Boipatong south of Johannesburg, a township known for the violent massacre that took place between members of political parties of KwaMadala Hostel in 1992. Many people were killed and according to residents these unhealed scars have eradicated the worth and pride of this community. In addition industrial factories nearby emit tons of emissions into the atmosphere creating an unhealthy place to live in. This township requires total rejuvenation and rehabilitation to improve the living conditions, socio-economic and environmental landscapes.

This will be the first community to benefit from some of the 600 trees donated through the Browns Plumtree Project. This project aims to provide fruit bearing trees for low-income communities.

"The project is close to our hearts as it directly affects the lives of children. We chose fruit trees so children could experience the wonder of nature's cycles, and enjoy the sweet abundance of her harvest for themselves," said Larry Brown.

Browns is working with greening social enterprise Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA) and in this launch of The Browns Plumtree Project has donated trees to be planted through FTFAs Trees for Homes programme in Gauteng, Cape Town and Durban. Browns has started the project off with an initial contribution of R50 000 and throughout the year, whenever a client purchases a piece of jewellery from the Browns Private Collection, a tree will be purchased and planted on their behalf.

Trees for Homes creates healthy, sustainable environments, provides temporary employment for unemployed volunteers, transfers skills through training workshops and conducts intensive awareness and education door to door in the recipient community. This is empowering residents to better understand and look after their environments.

The first Browns event will be held on the 24th June 2009 at the Boipatong Hall where 400 trees will be distributed to the homeowners of Ward 3 and Ward 5. These wards comprise of over 1 200 low cost houses and the majority of residents are unemployed. Some homeowners have planted peaches and apricots previously and are keen to plant more trees. They realise that there is a need to establish projects in Boipatong to encourage and maintain a clean and green environment for community members and have expressed great appreciation for this generous support from The Browns Plumtree Project.

For more information or to attend this green event please contact Joanne Rolt, Manager Trees for Homes programme, on 011 803 9750 or email .