Skip to main content

Traidcraft Needs Our Help

Image
By


Many of you will be familiar with Traidcraft.  It is the UK’s leading fair trade organisation, founded in 1979 on Christian principles and dedicated to fighting poverty through trade.  But you may not be aware that Traidcraft has been running at a trading loss for four consecutive years and is now telling the Church and wider community that it urgently needs their help.

Traidcraft feels that there are two general misconceptions. The first is that the Fairtrade battle has been won. Chocolate, tea, coffee and many more products with the now familiar Fairtrade Mark are stacked high on our supermarket shelves. However, the job is not done. Injustice in trade and its resulting poverty is as much of a scandal now, as it was 36 years ago and Traidcraft is still doing everything it can to tackle it directly. The second misconception is that Traidcraft and Fairtrade are the same.  They are not. Traidcraft is an independent trading company, with a linked development charity. It does not benefit from sales of Fairtrade products in supermarkets. Traidcraft trades with and supports the most vulnerable farmers and artisans (who could not cope with the demands or scale required by big businesses or supermarkets) as well as running development projects and campaigning for trade justice.
 
Traidcraft urgently needs our help to keep going, because despite the growth of total Fairtrade sales, Traidcraft sales have declined significantly. Why?  People are buying Fairtrade products from the supermarket and not from Traidcraft or its supporters, which means that its original pioneering mission is now under serious threat.

Traidcraft is asking churches to support the sales of Traidcraft products as much as possible, for instance by not just serving refreshments with the Fairtrade Mark on, but making sure they are from Traidcraft, and encouraging Fair Traders to run stalls selling Traidcraft products.
  
In Bradford North Circuit we are planning a Festive Fair Trade Fair on Saturday 17th October from 10am to 12 noon at St. Andrew’s Church, Undercliffe.  Please put this date in your diaries, as we need your support.  Please also think about having a Traidcraft stall at your church, even on a one-off basis. I can provide stock for this on a “sale or return basis”.  Thank you.

Ruth H, Calverley

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Share the joy of Christmas with older people

By
The most important Christmas Card you’ll send this year Methodist Homes (MHA) are asking YOUR CHURCH to share the joy of Christmas with older people this year.  Could you take the time to write just one extra Christmas card which will be passed to an older person cared for by MHA?  To take part, please refer to the further  details and an order form . Instructions of how to take part, as well as special Christmas cards designed by an MHA resident for your church members to write their own messages of goodwill and friendship, are included in the Christmas Friendship Appeal pack. “May I express my gratitude for your lovely idea of asking folk (including children) to send Christmas cards. We appreciate the warmth and concern of the whole idea.”  MHA Resident
Post a Comment
Read more

Bradford Ukelele Group ‘Splinters’

By
I had heard from a friend who had seen them that this ukulele group might be suitable to entertain our Luncheon Club at St Andrew’s. Arrangements were made for them to come but, unfortunately, due to a heavy snowfall, we had to cancel their visit. We decided to invite them again, through the Ladies Fellowship and open it up to all who wanted to attend an evening concert. Tickets were sold, help pledged and cakes promised, as we were assured that cake helped the musicians to perform at their best! They were such a lovely, friendly group of people and we just sensed that we were going to enjoy a really good night. Some 50 people turned up to support, which helped to create a great atmosphere. We were given songbooks (and percussion instruments!) so that we could join in and also make requests for our favourite songs from their list. It was such an uplifting, joyful, fun evening with songs old and new, many bringing memories from the not-too-distant past. Everyone put aside...
Post a Comment
Read more

Soupermums! Wilsden Trinity Church

By
Do you have a young baby? Looking for something to do? If the answer is yes then Soupermums is for you. We're here from 11 until 1 every Monday, Mums (and dads) have a rest and the babies can play. Have a lovely sit down whilst you sip on a brew. Enjoy having someone else make lunch for you! Come along to Wilsden Church, meet the rest of the group. Lovely ladies cuddle the babies, whilst you eat your soup. Chat with the mums, new friends you will make. Swap tips and advice over a slice or two of cake. So what are you waiting for? come on along, For homemade treats, good company and if you're lucky a song. We're looking forward to meeting you, please come take a peek, 11-1 at Wilsden Trinity, we're here every week! Celine V  (a Soupermum!) Where can new mums go, to have lunch where it’s warm and safe and you get to eat fresh soup and homemade cakes, while someone holds your baby? Too big an ask? Not at Wilsden Trinity! Every Mond...
Post a Comment
Read more