Fairtrade
Fairtrade at St John's
St John's Church, Woodbridge, is an official Fairtrade Church. This means we have proven ourselves to be committed to the use and promotion of Fairtrade products. All our kitchens have Fairtrade products in them, and we serve Fairtrade tea and coffee after our church services.
We also hold a Fairtrade coffee morning twice a year; Café Olé in May, and Café Noel in December. These give local people a chance to come together, enjoy a purely social event and learn more about the issues of fair trade and the inequalities our world is plagued with.
Fairtrade is just one of many ways in which we can help those much less fortunate than ourselves, giving them the chance to work their way out of poverty instead of having to rely on charity.
You can find out more about Fairtrade and the issues it tackles by going to the UK's Fairtrade Foundation Web site - www.fairtrade.org.uk.
Fairtrade In Woodbridge
Some of our church members are involved in the campaign to designate Woodbridge as a 'Fairtrade Town'. The official launch of the campaign was held at our Café Noél event on December 4th 2004.
To become a Fairtrade Town we have to achieve 5 things:
- Local Council passes a resolution supporting Fairtrade and agrees to serve it in meetings, offices and canteens.
- Range of Fairtrade products to be available in shops and catering establishments.
- Fairtrade products used by a number of local workplaces and community organisations.
- Evidence of media coverage is required to demonstrate raising of awareness in local community.
- Steering group to be convened to ensure continued commitment.
Becoming a Fairtrade Town would remind people to make the connection between what they buy and the person who produced it. That should be good news for producers in developing countries and for local farmers too. It will demonstrate that people in Woodbridge care about the impact they have on others and that the town is an ethical place to shop in.
Just by changing our shopping habits and buying Fairtrade we have the power to build a fairer world but we need to convince people who aren't yet aware of the benefits of Fairtrade that it can make a difference.
We do not expect Fairtrade Town status to be awarded quickly. We have to build up much more awareness and support from local shops and businesses as well as the local councils first. Lobbying your local councillor would help!
For more information the campaign website can be found at www.fairtradeforwoodbridge.org.uk or you can email info@fairtradeforwoodbridge.org.uk.