'Big Brew' creates a stir about Fairtrade in Templepatrick

The ‘Big Brew’ is part of a national initiative by Traidcraft which encourages schools, churches, workplaces and other organisations to host a Fairtrade event anytime during Fairtrade Fortnight 2010.

Commenting on the event, Rev. Dr. Scott Peddie, Minister of the Old Presbyterian Church said: “By joining thousands of people across the UK in bringing about positive change in the lives of many millions of tea workers, the community in Templepatrick has been part of something significant.

“This event was a great opportunity to increase awareness of Fairtrade products, as well as encouraging people to think about the issues faced by tea producers in the developing world,” said Dr. Peddie.

“Furthermore, the event raised 200 for the Fairtrade Foundation and established the Old Presbyterian Church as a Traidcraft ‘Fair Trader’.

“We are grateful to Antrim Borough Council and our local MP, William McCrea, for lending their support to this important local initiative. It was a great success and we look forward to doing it all again next year,” Dr. Peddie concluded.

Traidcraft is the UK’s leading fair trade organisation and has been pioneering fair trade since 1979.

Traidcraft’s charity, Traidcraft Exchange, works with smallholder tea growers and workers in countries like India and Africa, helping them to boost their incomes from tea, to make their voices heard by those who have the power to deliver change, and be less vulnerable to price fluctuations.