Basingstoke Fairtrade Group needs your help! We are working hard to achieve Fairtrade status for the whole of Basingstoke and Deane borough and we have received enormous praise from the Fairtrade Foundation in already achieving four out of the five goals. These include the formation of a steering group, full council support, a high number of retail and food outlets stocking Fairtrade goods, plus raising awareness and holding events to publicise and promote Fairtrade. The one goal where we still have more to do involves workplaces (including offices, shops, B&Bs, doctors and dental surgeries etc); community organisations and groups; churches; schools.

If you already use Fairtrade products such as tea / coffee / sugar in your workplace, school, church or community group, please get in touch and let us know. If you have thought of it in the past, but ran into problems of any nature, again please do get in touch. If you don’t use Fairtrade products, but would be interested in making the change, we will be able to help and advise, and can put you in contact with suppliers and wholesalers who stock a wide range of Fairtrade items – there are over 3000 Fairtrade certified products in the UK, and it is often the case these days that Fairtrade products are not actually any more expensive than the non-fairtrade equivalents. You will be demonstrating CSR (in a business), giving your staff or members a positive message, and – most importantly – supporting small businesses and farmers in underdeveloped countries, enabling them to make a decent living and improve their communities.

The group meets on a monthly basis and we would always welcome new members. There is also an associate membership of people who like to help out from time to time, but without the commitment of regular meetings. If you would like to get involved with our work in any way, or to find out more, please do get in touch.

Jill Gibson (Coordinator, Basingstoke Fairtrade Group) – 07846 024615

basingstokefairtrade@yahoo.co.uk