Are you doing supper for Fair Trade? 21 Feb – 7 March
9th February 2010
Are you doing supper for Fair Trade? 21 Feb - 7 March
Churches throughout Cornwall are being encouraged to get together to raise the Fair Trade profile by holding a ‘Big Fair Trade Supper' sometime during Fair Trade Fortnight which begins on 21 February.
Suppers can be held all together in one place, or in different venues on the same evening. It doesn't really matter, because simply by taking part, they will be joining people all over the country in raising the issue of trade justice amongst consumers.
What we buy matters as it has a real impact on the lives of the producers both at home and overseas. Here are some examples of how buying Fair Trade products has improved people's lives:
- people like mother-of-five, Celia, who began keeping bees in 1999. Thanks to the money earned from Fair Trade, she has been able to build a house for her family. Honey remains a major part of her plans, with the construction of a harvesting room beside her new home.
- people like Mansoor. Even after he set up his own jewellery workshop in Delhi, Mansoor never forgot his unhappy days as a child labourer. Working with Manjeen Handicrafts and making jewellery for Traidcraft helps him to provide good working conditions and a family environment for four young men from his home village.
- people like Joyce. Joyce and her family have access to electricity for the first time, thanks to the Fair Trade premium on sales of sugar. "The Fair Trade programme is doing good things here," says Joyce. "The village where I live has one borehole and receives electricity. It is very exciting. We never believed this would be possible!"
If this is your first time hosting a Fair Trade meal there are posters, invitations, menus, recipes and stockists lists, all available from Rosey Sanders at Diocesan House 01872 274351 rosey.sanders@truro.anglican.org
Prayer for Fair Trade Fortnight
I dare to pray, Lord let the world be changed,
For I long to see the end of poverty.
I dare to pray, Lord let the rules be changed,
For I long to see trade bring justice to the poor.
I dare to pray, Lord let my life be changed,
For I long to bring hope where good news is needed.
In the strength of your Spirit and inspired by your compassion.
I make this promise to work for change,
And wait confidently for the day when You make all things new. Amen