Fairtrade, the concept that workers and farmers in the developing world should have a decent return for their labour, and not live in poverty, has strong Christian roots.
Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world.
By requiring companies to pay sustainable prices (which must never fall lower than the market price), Fairtrade addresses the injustices of conventional trade, which traditionally discriminates against the poorest, weakest producers. It enables them to improve their position and have more control over their lives.
Our Fairtrade Church
There is a long history of support for Fairtrade at Holy Trinity: the church has supported Fairtrade suppliers since 1986.
Holy Trinity Church is a Fairtrade Church, approved by the Fairtrade Foundation, custodians of the coveted Fairtrade mark. This means that the PCC has agreed that the church will:
- Use Fairtrade tea and coffee after services and in all meetings for which they have responsibility.
- Move forward on using other Fairtrade products such as sugar, biscuits and fruit.
- Promote Fairtrade during Fairtrade Fortnight and during the year through events, worship and other activities whenever possible
Our Fairtrade stall
There is a Fairtrade stall in the church foyer after most 10am Sunday morning services, where you can buy many Fairtrade products such as chocolate, coffee and tea (including Traidcraft Tea). You can also ask us to order environmentally friendly toilet rolls from Serious Tissues for you.
We stock special seasonal items too: Fairtrade Easter eggs are available around Eastertime and at Christmas, we stock Fairtrade Advent calendars and Christmas cards. Come along and say hello!
Fairtrade Fortnight
This year, Fairtrade Fortnight runs from Monday 21st September to Sunday 4th October.
There are many simple actions that you can take to make the trade system fairer – leading to a fairer world for all. Why not start by choosing Fairtrade goods? Or you could go one step further and join the campaign for a fairer system behind the things that we consume every day. To find out how you can help, please contact Holy Trinity Church’s Fairtrade representative, Lorna Renshaw, via the parish office.
The Big Brew
This year marks the fortieth birthday of Transform Trade (previously Traidcraft Exchange). This charity supports producers and farmers in the Global South to get a fair return for their labour. In addition, it has revived Traidcraft Tea and partnered with Serious Tissues, which we sell on our weekly Fairtrade stall.
We are planning to hold our annual Transform Trade Big Brew in Fairtrade Fortnight. This event promotes Holy Trinity as a Fairtrade church, and enables us to raise funds for Transform Trade. We will confirm the date nearer the time, so please do look out for that later in the year.
