Beeston Gurdwara

The Sikh temple Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha Leeds was presented with the ‘Best Outreach and Networking award’ by Fairtrade Foundation CEO, Michael Gidney, at the national Fairtrade Supporter Conference in London on 5th October.

The award recognises the achievements and creativity of Fairtrade campaigners and supporters during the first half of 2013, including the Fairtrade Fortnight campaign.

In Leeds, during Fairtrade Fortnight, members of GNNSJ-Leeds organised a number of events in which they showcased Fairtrade products and talked to the local community about Fairtrade.  They created their own material to highlight the links between the Fairtrade ethos and the Sikh faith and were involved in events such as: a national football tournament, a local lifestyle event and a wide range of activities at the Gurdwara.

Adam Gardner, competition judge and Communities Campaigns Manager at the Fairtrade Foundation said:

‘It’s a tough task picking winners from the vast amount of inspiring community action for Fairtrade across the UK. Each entry demonstrated the creativity, hard work and vision that epitomises the Fairtrade movement, and continues to bring about a better deal for more farmers and workers through selling their products as Fairtrade. 

The winners demonstrated these qualities in abundance, and we are looking forward already to see how they and other groups continue to build the movement for fairer trade in their communities in the coming year and beyond.’

Creative youngsters at St. John’s church in Ben Rhydding have made their contribution to ‘altar’ the way we trade.

Challenged by the Fairtrade Foundation to use Fairtrade packaging to create works of art, the children of Ben Rhydding designed and created this beautiful altar cloth.

Worshippers at the church will be reminded of the need for fairness and justice in trade.

Well done to the St. John’s youth group for all their hard work and creativity.

Congratulations to Bradford Church of England Diocese for gaining Fairtrade Diocese status.

Many churchgoers across the Diocese have put in a great deal of effort and commitment to ensure that Bradford has won this accolade.  Well done to all involved.

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu has sent us this message for Fairtrade Yorkshire:

“Last year estimated sales of Fairtrade products reached £1.32bn, which was a 12% increase on the previous year.  Fairtrade has been a massive success since its launch twenty years ago. Gradually but definitely, our shopping habits are changing.

The Archbishop of York on a visit to the Ivory Coast

In 2009 I visited the Ivory Coast to see the impact Fairtrade chocolate here would have on disadvantaged cocoa farmers there. It’s a country ground down by poverty and riven by conflict. Life expectancy and literacy are low.  In places where there had never been schools, the cooperatives are able, with the help of the Fairtrade premium and Nestlé, to create elementary education for their children and build a health centre serving local workers and their families.

In January 2012, Mr Fasseri from the Kavokiva Co-op on the Ivory Coast visited the Manor School in York, as part of the Archbishop of York’s Youth Leaders’ Programme. His picture is on the 4 bar KIT KAT. His initiative and drive were inspiring. It is people like him who, with our active goodwill, can change the fortunes of the poor. So keep up the good work to support and use the Fairtrade branded goods in as many places as possible where you live, it can make all the difference.”

Three of Yorkshire’s bishops have given strong backing to the campaign for Fairtrade Yorkshire.

Bishop John of Ripon & Leeds has said:

‘Fair Trade is one of the great movements of our time.   It contributes to the welfare of people throughout the world and helps to ensure justice.   I am delighted to support the aim of Fairtrade status for Yorkshire.’

Bishop Tony of Pontefract:

‘I am very pleased to support the campaign to make ‘God’s Own County’ a Fairtrade county.  Supporting farmers in poor countries is so important for them.  They want to be able to help themselves and Fairtrade gives them a really good start’

Bishop Stephen of Wakefield:

‘I am delighted that Yorkshire is at the forefront of trying to achieve Fairtrade status. Justice for all people is central to the Christian Faith which is why so many churches support Fairtrade products. I very pleased indeed to be able to support this important initiative.’