Aberdeen Scoops Annual Fairtrade Campaign Award
05 August 2016
Aberdeen Fairtrade has scoped a top award for their work in combating poor prices, bad working conditions and unfair terms of trade for farmers and workers.
The group received the Highly Commended Award in the annual UK Fairtrade Campaign Awards after running a highly successful event which raised awareness of Fairtrade products and services among Aberdeen’s business community.
The “Ferry to a Fairtrade Future” event, organised by the Aberdeen Fairtrade Steering Group on board NorthLink Ferries’ MV Hjaltland, provided local businesses and workplaces with the opportunity to learn of Fairtrade success stories, sample Fairtrade produce and meet with Fairtrade Nicaraguan coffee farmer, Fatima Ismael.
More than 20 local north east organisations attended the event on the 20th March 2016 to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight 2016 and discuss Aberdeen’s status as a Fairtrade City.
Organisations at the forefront of supporting Fairtrade in Aberdeen are Aberdeen City Council, the University of Aberdeen and Aberdeen for a Fairer World.
Convener of Communities, Housing & Infrastructure Committee Councillor Neil Cooney said: “It is great news that the efforts of the Aberdeen Fairtrade Steering Group have been given this national award.
“The event on the ferry was well supported and showcased what a range of Fairtrade products are available now; from chutneys and polo shirts to funerals.
“It is hoped that the success of the event will strengthen Aberdeen’s bid to renew its Fairtrade City status later in the year.”
The organisation received the top award for their work in developing and integrated, well-planned and innovative campaign that reached a large audience, engaged the media and communicated the Fairtrade message imaginatively.
On receiving the award, Sue Good from the Aberdeen Fairtrade Steering Group, said: “We have been delighted by the results we can achieve when everyone involved in Fairtrade works together. Council, educationalists, retailers, consumers and campaigners all joined with our Flagship employer NorthLink Ferries to create a truly memorable event that underlines Aberdeen's commitment to Fairtrade.”
Adam Gardner, Communities Campaigns Manager at the Fairtrade Foundation, said: "Aberdeen Fairtrade has made an exceptional commitment to farmers and workers around the globe who are continuously working hard to bring us the products we love. All too often these communities are not receiving a fair price for their work, but campaigners from Aberdeen Fairtrade have shown their dedication to this cause. It’s so important for communities to get involved and let their voice be heard.
“Thanks to the ongoing support of campaigners and businesses around the UK, Fairtrade today reaches millions of vulnerable farmers and workers in over 70 countries. We are constantly inspired and surprised by the overwhelming support the UK public shows Fairtrade. Thank you and congratulations to Aberdeen for making an incredible contribution to the Fairtrade movement.”
Fairtrade has paved the way for sustainable trading by providing a safety net for world’s poorest farmers against volatile market prices, and the Fairtrade Premium to invest in vital community, business and environmental projects.
The UK has one of the most powerful networks of Fairtrade campaigners in the world, including over 600 Fairtrade Towns, 1350 Fairtrade Schools and 170 Fairtrade Universities, and 7,500 Fairtrade places of worship.
For more information about Fairtrade, visit www.fairtrade.org.uk.