Local Quaker Action on Fairtrade

Hastings Quakers: Supporting developing country cotton farmers

In 2011 Hasings Local Quaker Meeting helped the Fairtrade Foundation gain the world record for the longest piece of handmade bunting. Hastings Friends joined groups from around the country in decorating over 130,000 individual Fairtrade cotton flags - equivalent to almost 31 kilometres (19 miles). These displayed messages to the UK Government and European Parliament demanding an end to unfair cotton subsidies which keep many cotton farmers from developing countries in poverty.

Heswall Quakers: Raising awareness locally

Heswall Local Quaker Meeting is working with Churches Together in Heswall to raise awareness of Fairtrade. For Fairtrade Fortnight 2011 the group held a Fairtrade Market in the Civic Hall. As well as stalls selling fairly – traded gifts and crafts, local supermarkets came to display their Fairtrade ranges. There was a Fairtrade Cafe and local a Jazz band provided live music. A resounding success; a similar event will be held in 2012 where Wirral Council will be announcing the results of its Fairtrade Champion awards.

What’s your Meeting doing?

Please let QPSW know. Contact suzannei@quaker.org.uk