Review: Fairtrade Evening in Chandler’s Ford 2018

I felt privileged to help with the fantastic Fairtrade evening at St Martin’s on 2 November.

Items for sale included crafts from Leprosy Mission, Eastleigh’s Shop Equality (my husband couldn’t resist buying a baby wooden duck to go with his collection), fairly traded clothing from Nomad, beautiful jewellery made high in the hills in Guatemala and a huge Traidcraft stall.

There were advent calendars and Christmas goodies on offer too, as well as Christmas cards.

Shoppers were offered a complimentary glass of wine while they browsed. Youth minister Tom Young was on hand with two friendly young people who were providing a free gift-wrapping service – very useful!

It was sad to learn that Traidcraft will cease trading on 31 December, unless a different, downsized business model can be developed.

I have been involved in Traidcraft since 1981. However, the campaigning arm – Traidcraft Exchange – will continue its work campaigning for fairer trading conditions for producers.

A short video was shown, revealing the appalling living conditions endured by tea pickers in Assam, which is where most of our tea comes from in this country.

Look out for the Fairtrade logo when you are shopping – every purchase helps, and sends a message to companies with unfair trading practices.

Image credit: All photographs by Debbie Pearce Photography.