Renfrewshire’s schools and communities are gearing up for this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight which runs from 29 February-13 March and encourages people to examine the challenges facing workers and farmers across the world.

Bake Off - hall is packed

 

This year’s theme focuses on Martin Luther King’s quote: “‘Before you finish eating breakfast in the morning, you’ve depended on more than half the world.”

People are encouraged to have a ‘Big Breakfast’ to help support farmers and workers to put food on the table for their families by harnessing the power of a Fairtrade breakfast.

The Renfrewshire Fairtrade Steering Group are hosting a number of events across the fortnight including supporting local schools to undertake fair trade activities.

A charity ceilidh is being held on the evening of Friday 26 February at St Charles’ Church Hall. Ceilidh band ‘The Reel Stramash’ will be joined by highland dancers and games in aid of Traidcraft’s ‘Let it Grow’ appeal.

A Fairtrade Festival is taking place on Saturday 5 March at Paisley Methodist Church, from 11am-1pm, with stalls selling Fairtrade goods, offering tasters of Fairtrade food and entertainment also taking place.

Local and national campaigners will be taking part in a speaker’s night on Tuesday 1 March, 6:45pm, at Paisley Town Hall. Talks will be given by Bala Sport, Carishea, Rainbow Turtle, Olive Tree and Just Trading Scotland.

Councillor Jim Sharkey, Chair of the Renfrewshire Fairtrade Steering Group, said: “Fairtrade Fortnight is a great chance to raise the profile of fair trade and encourage people to support the cause throughout the year.

“Over and above the Fairtrade price, buying fair trade farmers and workers are paid the Fairtrade Premium which helps improve their social, economic and environmental conditions.

“We have a number of excellent events taking place in Renfrewshire and I encourage you to attend and show your support.”

For more information and tickets to the ceilidh, priced at £10, call 0141 887 1881.

For further information visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/fairtrade