Approximately 1,000 UnityPoint Health – Cedar Rapids team members impacted by last year’s derecho are set to receive free trees thanks to the Planting Forward campaign through the Monarch Research Group (MRG), a Marion non-profit organization.
The Monarch Research Group created the Planting Forward program with dual goals of replanting derecho 2020 impacted yards across the community with high quality native tree species while educating residents on proper tree care and the value native trees add to the environment, pollinators and people. MRP is partnering with multiple organizations in the community like UnityPoint Health, to provide about 10,000 trees to help restore derecho impacted yards. All MRG donated trees must be planted in a derecho damaged private yard or area. UnityPoint Health team members are set to receive approximately 3,000 trees through this gift.
“When this opportunity was presented to us, we knew it was something we wanted to participate in,” said Michelle Niermann, UnityPoint Health – Cedar Rapids president & CEO. “Between the pandemic and the derecho these last 12 months have been extremely challenging for our health care workers. During the derecho many of our team members, like most in our community, sustained significant property damage that needed immediate attention. Despite this, they continued serving the community providing critical heath care. They put aside their own needs to serve others. The Planting Forward campaign is a terrific way to help our health care workers restore beauty to their properties. It’s a wonderful token of thanks and appreciation from a grateful community.”
UnityPoint Health team members are set to pick up their trees starting Thurs., April 8 at 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. and again on Friday and Saturday during set times at St. Luke’s Hospital. Employees could choose to receive up to three trees, two to plant in their yard, and one to donate to another property owner impacted by the derecho.
