Series of events to help consumers tackle global poverty
The Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F) Fairtrade group will once again be taking part in the national Fairtrade Fortnight (25 February - 9 March 2008), promoted by the Fairtrade Foundation to increase understanding of how consumer decisions can help tackle poverty in the developing world.
The theme of 'Change Today, Choose Fairtrade' will be illustrated on the ever popular tasting stalls at local supermarkets, through displays at libraries and elsewhere, and by the visit of a cotton producer from Mali to St Peter's CofE and St Stephen's CofE Primary Schools.
The council website alists retail and catering outlets stocking many of over 3,000 Fairtrade products from Africa, Asia and Latin and South America now on the market.
Chair of the H&F Fairtrade group, Councillor Paul Bristow, Cabinet Member for Residents Services, says "I urge all who live, work or study in the borough to make small changes in their everday lives by choosing Fairtrade when shopping or eating out. Such actions trigger a positive change in the lives of people and their environment in developing countries."
Sainsbury's, Fulham Broadway Retail Centre, will be hosting a tasting stall on Saturday 1 March, 2.00 - 6.00pm, and Morrisons, West 12 Shopping Centre, on Saturday 8 March, 11.00am - 3.00pm Volunteers will hand out free samples of products carrying the FAIRTRADE Mark, such as tea, chocolate and cereal bars, and copies of the London Fairtrade Guide.
London is two boroughs short of becoming a Fairtrade City: it needs 17 of the 34 boroughs to gain this status (Hammersmith & Fulham was the sixth to qualify!). The Guide, jampacked with information, seeks to engage and educate Londoners of all ages and backgrounds on Fairtrade issues. It will include producer features, reports from existing Fairtrade boroughs, and interviews with businesses such as Divine Chocolate, whose managing director is Hammersmith born Sophi Tranchell, also Chair of the London Fairtrade steering group.
February 22, 2008
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