- Display at Greenford High School
The Design and Technology Department at Greenford High School have continued to support Fairtrade by setting up an eye-catching Fairtrade display in their new Food technology classroom. All pupils studying food tech. have Fairtrade ingredients highlighted on their recipes each week- which shows the students that they can select the Fairtrade version of the product. Each week, Fairtade will be even more prominent in the classroom as we have supplied the teacher with a stylish apron, explicitly branded with the Fairtrade logo and colours (modelled here).
During Fairtrade Fortnight, the Ealing Fairtrade Group held a double celebration – 10 years as a group and 5 years as a Fairtrade London borough. Fairtrade supporters from across London joined the Mayor of Ealing and local councillors, campaigners, trade unionists and students to celebrate the achievements of the volunteer group.
Guest speaker, Frank Olok, of the Malawi Fairtrade Network described how Fairtrade has transformed the lives of smallholder farmers in Malawi. As well as guaranteeing a fair and stable price for their products, Frank explained that the farmers also receive an additional sum of money, the Fairtrade Premium. This has enabled them to improve their communities by, for example, constructing school buildings and bringing clean, piped water to their villages.
Frank said that an important aspect of Fairtrade is that it brings producer and consumer closer together, and suggested to the Mayor that a link be made between Ealing and Blantyre in Malawi, so that the two communities could establish an ongoing relationship based on Fairtrade.
The evening began with music from student flautist Sarah Peter Sorencen, and ended with folk music from local band Oddfellas. Messages of congratulations and support were sent from some of the hundreds of other Fairtrade towns, cities, boroughs and villages from around the country. Haworth in Yorkshire said “Be proud that you are part of this massive social movement changing the way the world values products and producers”.
The group now needs to renew its Fairtrade Status by agreeing a plan of activities for the next two years. Anyone wishing to contribute can find out more at www.ealingfairtrade.org.uk or email info@ealingfairtrade.org.uk.
2013 Valentine's Day bake sale at Ealing Council
On Valentine’s Day Ealing Fairtrade Group (EFG) held a Fairtrade bake sale for employees at Ealing Council’s offices in the west London borough.
A member of the sustainability programme for regeneration and housing was key to organising the event – and the event raised nearly £300.00. Members of EFG provided home-made cakes, scones, and cookies. A ‘Send a Valentine’ scheme – sending a baked cake with a message to someone in the building – attracted a lot of attention – and caused much amusement, excitement and wild speculation about who was the sender of the cake-gift.
The Council’s own ‘green champions’ provided samosas which proved to be very popular.
Thanks to everyone for baking, buying or being a Valentine’s Day cake recipient!
The Ealing Fairtrade Group is celebrating ten years in 2013.
