Jan 21 2011 @ 19:39

Fair Trade and Valentine’s: A match made in heaven

It’s said that when you get the right people in the room, great things happen, and such an event occurred at EWB’s 10th Anniversary conference in mid-January. EWB members representing some of our nearly 40 chapters brainstormed ways to connect Canadian consumer purchases and actions to support rural African livelihoods, and a match made in heaven was discovered. This Valentine's Day, EWB chapters across Canada and TransFair are challenging Canadians to show their sweethearts they care not just on a personal level, but also globally by ensuring that their gifts are Fair Trade certified.

With chocolate, wine, jewelry and flowers available as Fair Trade Certified products, Valentine's Day is a perfect time to make a commitment to fairer wages, better working conditions, and environmental sustainability for the producers of many of the products we enjoy during this special time of year. By choosing Fair Trade products you are making an informed decision that impacts the livelihood of developing rural communities.

"The goal of the campaign is to help further fuel the growing awareness of Fair Trade and its benefits both amongst key decision makers and the general public. What better way to show your broader love for the world this Valentine’s Day?" asks Mark Abbott, campaigns organizer and member of the Vancouver Professional Chapter of Engineers Without Borders.

Within days of creating a national 'My Fair Valentine' event, the Facebook group has nearly 1,000 confirmed guests, with a goal of reaching 10,000 by Valentine's Day. You can show your support by joining the 'My Fair Trade Valentine' Facebook event as a way of demonstrating your support, by sending your MP and other key decision makers in your community Fair Trade Valentines, and by buying Fair Trade products for your sweetheart.

Don't celebrate Valentine's Day? You can make the right choice for producers in developing countries with every cup of coffee, t-shirt, and meal you eat. Learn more about Fair Trade and find Fair Trade products near you by visiting TransFair’s website.

• New! Visit the My Fair Valentine website at: myfairvalentine.com.
• New! Find My Fair Valentine on Facebook here.
• Find stores that sell Fair Trade products using TransFair Canada's Fair Trade Finder.
• The Fair Trade Labelling Organization International website:
  http://www.fairtrade.net/
• More information about individual Fair Trade Certified products:
  http://www.fairtrade.net/products.html.

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