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Renfrewshire community plan 2000 - 2010 Fairtrade Fortnight and future Fairtrade events
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Fairtrade Fortnight was a UK-wide initiative taking place from 25 February to 9 March 2008 to spread the message about the growing Fairtrade movement. And there was plenty happening here in Renfrewshire, as the campaign to make all of Renfrewswhire a Fairtrade Zone gathered momentum.
A highlight of the fortnight was the visit of Kenyan tea farmer Julius Ethang'Atha to speak to a packed Paisley Town Hall at a special event organised by Renfrewshire Fairtrade steering group. Julius spoke about the difference Fairtrade has made for his family and his community, helping to build a secondary school for 450 children and a local maternity unit.
"It is good to see people so far away from home are concerned about the plight of the under-privileged people of the world. Fairtrade is the way to go and trade in the world. My life is better now thanks to the Fairtrade movement, but I am determined not to leave anybody behind."
Kenyan tea farmer Julius Ethang'Atha
Kenyan tea farmer Julius Ethang'Atha
Over the fortnight, a Fairtrade roadshow travelled across Renfrewshire, letting the community know about how to get involved in Fairtrade. Roadshow participants handed out information leaflets about Fairtrade, and free samples of Fairtrade products, at Glasgow Airport; Braehead Shopping Centre; Castle Semple Visitor Centre; the Tannahill Centre; Renfrew and Linwood sports centres; the Paisley campus of University of West of Scotland; and Renfrewshire House.
"We are committed to making Renfrewshire a Fairtrade zone and want to spread that message as far as possible. There are so many options for buying Fairtrade products and the roadshow was a great way of encouraging people to try some of these products, showing them how they could change someone else's life by choosing to buy Fairtrade."
Council leader Derek Mackay, chair of Renfrewshire Fairtrade steering group
Council leader Derek Mackay, chair of Renfrewshire Fairtrade steering group
Now, to build on the success of Fairtrade Fortnight, the steering group will continue to arrange events to raise awareness - watch this space for more details!
If you want to let people know about an event you've organised to promote Fairtrade, get in touch with us at chiefexec@renfrewshire.gov.uk or call us on 0141 840 3611/3505.
