18 October 2019
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
Cork Youth Orchestra are launching #trees4change in Ireland, a new positive action, climate change project, to renew our environment in Tramore Valley Walk this November.
The goal of #trees4change campaign is to reduce the carbon footprint of Cork Youth Orchestra by planting up to 1,000 native Irish trees in Tramore Valley Walk by the end of November this year, with the support of the families & friends of Cork Youth Orchestra and Cork City Council.
As an organization, CYO are nurturing young musicians from the generation that will be tasked with dealing with the damaging consequences of climate change and we are implementing a new positive environment initiative.
Commenting on the #trees4change campaign, Toms McCarthy, conductor of CYO said, ÔSince 1958 the CYO has generated paper, equivalent to approximately 100 trees and many of our instruments have been crafted from trees. We aim to replace these 100 with 1,000 trees initially. As a result, we are launching this project, #trees4change in Ireland, in an attempt to reinstate what we are taking out of the environment. We feel that the most beneficial and far-reaching environmental action we can take is by planting native Irish trees (Oak, Willow, Rowan, Hazel, Birch). We have challenged our members and families to help us with this tree planting initiative, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of Cork Youth Orchestra and especially raising awareness among members. This is a positive action, climate change project.
Native Irish Trees play an overwhelmingly positive role in carbon sequestration, biodiversity, water filtration, flood control, soil fertility security, recreation and wellbeing. The planting of 6 trees, could help neutralize the amount of carbon one person would generate in a lifetime.
CYO would welcome support from members of local communities to join in. If you wish to support them in their #trees4change campaign you can make a contribution of Û20 to CYO and for this the Cork Youth Orchestra will plant 5 native Irish trees (Oak, Willow, Rowan, Hazel, Birch), on your behalf. ItÕs a small price for a greener future. You can donate online by visiting Cork Youth Orchestra website.
About Cork Youth Orchestra
The Cork Youth Orchestra is a unique community-based organisation. Founded in 1958, it is firmly embedded in the cultural fabric of County Cork, Cork city and Ireland. CYO has been performing for the people of Cork and indeed very much further afield for sixty one years, without a break. It is IrelandÕs oldest youth orchestra. There are now 5 orchestraÕs in the organisation, CYO, JCYO, CJRO1, CJRO2 and CYCHO. The CYO currently has 133 members who rehearse every Saturday night. They show great commitment and strive to perfect their concert performances. CYO keeps membership fees to an absolute mimimun to allow access to and participation in the orchestra for all. Membership selection is determined by musical ability and the orchestra members represent a large geographical spread right across County Cork. The orchestra is managed by parents who give up their time voluntarily. All funds raised are put back into the running of the orchestra, premises hire, upgrading equipment, purchase of music and provision of the best possible performance opportunities.tra.ie website and we will plant trees in your name.
