by Michael Walsh
Parishioner at Our Lady and St George, Enfield
Our diocese is very close to becoming the first Fairtrade diocese in England and Wales, if only three more of our parishes accepted the simple and light commitment of being Fairtrade.
Parishes applying accept that they will have Fairtrade refreshments such as tea and coffee served at parish meetings and will hold one activity per year promoting Fairtrade in the parish. Simple and not costly, but it would make a big difference to poor communities round the world.
By purchasing products with the FAIRTRADE mark, we will be supporting people in the developing world as they work to improve their lives and their communities. The mark means that the Fairtrade ingredients in the product have been produced by small-scale farmer organisations or plantations which meet Fairtrade social, economic and environmental standards. The standards include protection of workers’ rights and the environment, payment of the Fairtrade minimum price and an additional Fairtrade premium for investment in business or community projects.
Further information is available at https://cafod.org.uk/Campaign/Fairtrade or by contacting Tony Sheen on 0208-449-6970 or tsheen@cafod.org.uk.
