Thank you for your Fair Trade support

Thank you to everyone who supported the Fair Trade Big Brew at Calverley on 12^th March.  We took £400 in fair trade sales and £200 in donations for refreshments and on the tasting tables.  The £200 was sent to Traidcraft’s ‘Let It Grow’ Appeal, which is supporting smallholder farmers in India, Kenya and Bangladesh. 

The thank you letter from Traidcraft tells us that our donation is helping Traidcraft to continue their life changing work with tea farmers like Jakaria in Bangladesh.  Since becoming part of Traidcraft’s tea project, life has been transformed for Jakaria and his family.  Previously, he and his family lived in a flimsy shack and he earned barely enough to buy oil for their lamp, let alone provide nutritious food or medical care. 

On joining the tea project, he received training and credit from Traidcraft and, as a result of his increased income, he has been able to buy livestock, more land and build a new house.  Tea bushes can grow for between 80 – 100 years and so Jakaria’s tea garden will help his family to thrive well into the future.  Jakaria says, “Life has changed beautifully and I dream to continue my work.  My tea garden will be a security for my children.”

Traidcraft say in their letter, “On behalf of everyone of Traidcraft, and those with whom we work, please extend our thanks to everyone involved in the event.  Your support means together we can help more families like Jakaria’s to break the cycle of poverty for good.”

Ruth H, Calverley

Circuit Fairtrade Co-ordinator