FAIRTRADE Bradford is committed to raising the profile for Fairtrade products and ethics in the district.

Bringing the messaging to the forefront and inspiring others to become passionate about equal rights and fair pay for all workers is an important tool in supporting Fairtrade values.

Marking World Fair Trade Day which took place on 8 May, Fairtrade Bradford are gifting Fairtrade chocolate and footballs to children across the district.

Fairtrade Bradford said: “One of the key messages of buying Fairtrade is the assurance that child labour is banned in the production of Fairtrade products. Protecting children around the world from working in unsafe and unpaid positions. This is why we wanted to reach out to children in the district to help highlight this message, and spread a little Fairtrade happiness.

"There are many ways to make the world a better place, and supporting the global Fairtrade system is one of them. It helps achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which include education for all children and ending hunger.”

Keeping Fairtrade in mind when shopping and making consumer decisions should be important for everyone. Being paid a fair wage and upholding workers’ rights should be par for the course in business and with bigger businesses backing Fairtrade the hope is that smaller and independent distributors and retailers will follow and inspire other big companies.

Fairtrade campaign helps Third World farmers - and you can help too

Bradford University has long been a supporter of Fairtrade, offering Fairtrade products in its canteens to ensure farmers and workers are paid fairly, have decent working conditions, can support their communities, and also protect the environment.

Professor Shirley Congdon, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford, said: “We believe World Fair Trade Day is an occasion to be celebrated. It helps raise awareness of the need for overseas workers to be paid fairly for the products they help make, and helps promote environmental and economic sustainability and a more ethical approach to trade in general, which is important in addressing issues like climate change.

“These principles are aligned with the University’s core value of equality, diversity and inclusion. Fairtrade is something we’re passionate about and will continue to support in the future.”

Shopping Fairtrade means:

  • Farmers get a fair price and extra funds from the Fairtrade Premium
  • Fairtrade protects the environment and tackles climate change
  • Child labour is banned

Joanne Hyde, Strategic Director of Corporate Services at Bradford Council, said “Supporting Fairtrade in any small way is something we can all do, I am really pleased that Fairtrade Bradford have decided to make this donation for children in our district. I think World Fair Trade Day helps to inspire more people to get involved with Fairtrade, I’m sure chocolate and football are a great place to start.”

To find out more about Fairtrade and how to get involved visit: www.fairtrade.org.uk