Be the Change and support Fairtrade Fortnight
Cheshire West and Chester Council and its partners are once again celebrating Fairtrade Fortnight which this year takes place between Monday 9 September and Sunday 22 September 2024.
2024’s theme is urging everyone to Be the Change, by picking up Fairtrade products and speaking up for fairer trade.
The campaign has moved to September for the very first time, as the Fairtrade movement marks 30 years since Fairtrade products first hit shelves in the UK.
There are now around 5000 Fairtrade products available to buy in the UK, and all major retailers and many brands use Fairtrade certified ingredients.
It will emphasise how the cumulative effect of our shopping choices have contributed to change, allowing farmers and agricultural workers overseas to create a better future, but more is urgently needed.
Councillor Paul Donovan, Cabinet Member for Workforce, Equality and Democracy, said:
“Each time you choose Fairtrade when you shop, you are acting in solidarity with farmers who grow your food. Fairtrade means producers receive a fairer price, can afford to feed their families, send their children to school, and cover their farming costs. “We can all Be The Change by choosing to buy more Fairtrade products. Fairtrade is helping to protect some of the UK’s most loved food and drinks products – including coffee, tea and cocoa – and the farmers that grow them, which are at risk from the impacts of unfair trade in the face of climate change.”
The Council has recently achieved accreditation as a Fairtrade Community.
This latest accreditation confirms the Council’s commitment over the next two years to be a strategic partner within the borough.
This will involve raising the profile of Fairtrade in the ever-challenging financial climate for consumers and to be recognised as a borough that actively supports and promotes Fairtrade. Encouraging the sale and use of products with the Fairtrade mark.
Cllr Donovan added:
“Now the new school year has begun, we will be working to share information with schools in the borough to help get the message to children and young people, so they can Be the Change and become champions for Fairtrade.”
Events taking place as part of Fairtrade Fortnight include a Craft Fair in Wesley Church Centre, Chester on Thursday 12 September which is free to join and all materials will be provided, organised by the Chester Fairtrade group.
The Neston Fairtrade Group is holding a Fairtrade Fashion Show, organised by the charity Chifundo UK with sustainable products and clothing on sale. Proceeds will be used to empower girls and women in Malawi. The Fashion show will be held at the Neston URC on Friday 20 September, 7.30pm. Tickets are £4 from Derrie Lizi on 07962 056581.
There will be special promotions at Chester Fairtrading – Chester’s only dedicated Fairtrade shop throughout the fortnight. Plus a Fairtrade stall at the Huntington Fete on Saturday 14 September at Jubilee Fields.
On-line events have been arranged by the Fairtrade Foundation too:
Be the Change Global Get Together: Join Fairtrade Foundation and Fairtrade Canada for a special event featuring campaigners and producers from around the world sharing their stories and insights on 30 years of Fairtrade impact.
Date: Tuesday 1 October
Time: 6pm – 7:30pm
Be the Change School Assemblies: Designed specifically for school children, these sessions offer an engaging way for students to learn about Fairtrade and its global impact.
Date: Wednesday 18 September
Time: 9am - 10am and 1:30pm - 2:30pm
To find out more about how to take part in Fairtrade Fortnight, visit: www.fairtrade.org.uk/get-involved/current-campaigns/fairtrade-fortnight/
#FairtradeFortnight