Local support for the Fairtrade movement
We all like to do our bit for the greater good – recycling, contributing to charity, fund-raising on Red Nose Day. The English town of Pickering is also doing its part by becoming involved in the Fairtrade movement during Fairtrade Fortnight.
What are they doing? A member of the local Fairtrade Group, the Mayor of Pickering, Councillor Joan Lovejoy, rolled up her sleeves to help out with the local coffee morning at the Memorial Hall. During the event tea and coffee were served (Fairtrade of course) and visitors could also purchase goods at several Fairtrade and charity stalls at the venue. How successful was the event? Approximately £900 was made, plus the locals raised the profile of their town as a "Fairtrade Town," which is deemed to be of importance to attract visitors. Other plans in the town include bunting decorating events, together with a scheduled attempt to create the longest piece of bunting.
What is Fairtrade? As a result of concern to protect local farming communities involved in the coffee trade, the Fairtrade movement was set up to impose certain standards on participating companies. As such, for example, minimum prices are imposed when purchasing coffee from local growers and the scheme also helps to improve the local communities, such as education, medical services and transport facilities. Recent statistics disclosed by the Fairtrade Foundation, have shown that the UK in particular is nations of strong supporters of this movement, including, of course, the residents of Pickering.