Traidcraft

Fair Trade Fortnight

26^th February – 11^th March 2007

Fair trade – a Christian response to poverty

Imagine if every time you enjoyed a cup of tea or coffee, bit into a biscuit or indulged in some chocolate it could make a difference to the lives of others. If you choose fairly traded products then that's exactly what you do – whether you are serving them at a church event or in your own home.

Each one of us can make a difference. By choosing fair trade we know that our purchase is helping to provide decent livelihoods for the people who grow or make the products.

Fair trade is not about charity, it's about giving people the dignity of working their way out of poverty, providing opportunity and hope for the future. It's about developing a different way of buying things, whether we're choosing coffee or cards, tea or t-shirts.

To make a lasting difference to producers and their families, people need to be encouraged and reminded about the benefits of buying fair trade all year round. Many churches see running a Traidcraft stall as part of their Christian response to poverty.

Traidcraft, the Christian-based fair trade organisation, was formed by a group of people concerned about issues of Christian witness through trade. Christians are called to love the poor – but also to ask questions as to why they are poor.

Unjust trading systems are not new. Proverbs 13:23 A poor man's field may produce abundant food but injustice sweeps it away. But in 1 John 3:18 we are told "My children, our love is not just to be words or mere talk, but something real and active."

Migual is a coffee farmer who benefits from fair trade as his crop supplies Café direct and Traidcraft. "If it had not been for the fair trade buyers it is likely that we would have had to give up this business altogether," he said. "Those of us small farmers who have survived are very grateful to those who have participated in fair trade and we hope these links will continue."

We can all do something — and it can start with something as simple as a cup of coffee, or support this Coffee Morning

As Part of the Fair trade Fortnight

There will be a coffee morning held at

44 Parklawn Avenue, Epsom

On Friday 9^th March 2007, From 10.00 – 12pm

There will be Fair Trade goods for sale

Traidcraft

Traidcraft is a business which imports crafts, jewellery, paper, clothing, food, teas and coffee from developing countries.

Traidcraft is different from most other businesses that import from poorer countries of the world.

Traidcraft believe that by paying people a fair price for the things they make and grow they can be helped to work their way out of poverty.

Traidcraft is based on Christian ideas of love and justice in trade.

At Epsom Methodist Church Traidcraft goods are on sale on the first Sunday of the month after the morning 9.00 & 10.30 services . FairTrade stall at EMC has stopped until further notice because of the expected building works, but you can get goods from Tricia Rutter (e-mail)

Goods for sale include teas, coffee and dried foods, etc.

Further information contact click Logo below:-