We
are a FAIRTRADE CHURCH – and
in March 2010 we received a certificate to prove it, which
is displayed on the church notice board.
This means that we have committed to use Fairtrade tea and coffee
for all meetings for which we have responsibility, to use other
Fairtrade products as much as we can, and to promote Fairtrade
wherever possible.
However, Fairtrade has been an important expression of our Christian
faith here at Blairdaff and Chapel of Garioch Church for much longer
than that.
Back in 1996 we began
holding a Fairtrade stall after the service about once a month.
This was made possible by Anne Groves of West
Church, Inverurie, who faithfully supplied a selection of goods
for us for each stall on a “sale or return” basis.
In 1997 our then Minister,
Lesley Risby, suggested the time had come for us to “go it alone” so
I became a voluntary Fair Trader with Traidcraft, members of
the congregation made donations
to enable us to invest in our own stock, (thereby confirming
their commitment to Fairtrade) and I think I can honestly say
we have
never looked back!
We continued to be supported for a while by West Church, but we
have been independent for many years.
I have 3 stalwart helpers in Kath Thomson, Carole Henderson and
Lynwen Greavey, and I think I speak for us all when I say that
we really enjoy running the Traidcraft stalls.
And why do we do it?
What’s the point of Fairtrade? Here
are a few quotes from some of the producers whose goods we
sell:
“Thanks to working here, I have a stable job with a stable income. I am
happy with the work. I have money for my son’s education” Li Thi
Tien – Ceramics worker at Craft Link, Vietnam.
“Earlier, where I was working, it was full of dust. But
here there is no such kind of problem. There I had no medical insurance
and here I know which hospital I can go to if I need treatment.” Santosh – Stone
carver, Tara Projects, India.
“Because of the poverty in my family I came to the city
in search of a job. Now I am with Manjeen there is a hope that
regular orders will be there” Sawar – Jewellery
maker, Manjeen Handicrafts, India.
“Please keep buying our products so we can have consistency
in work and in our income to provide us with a good life.” Yermin – Ceramic
worker, Allpa, Peru.
“
From what I earn doing this work I am able to buy food for my family,
to send my children to school and take care of the other basic
needs of my family.” John Rogena – Stone worker,
Undugu, Kenya.
Fairtrade changes the
lives of our brothers and sisters for the better. That’s
the reason we support it.
If you’d like
to know more about Fairtrade, or how you can get involved, feel
free to give me a call. Or visit:
www.traidcraft.co.uk
Margaret Whewell. 01467 681543
