Win a year’s supply of Fairtrade tea or coffee

The competition is open to businesses, community groups, schools and churches. To enter, each organisation must show its support for Fairtrade by signing up to use a minimum of two Fairtrade products for a year and promoting the use of Fairtrade among staff or members.

Bannside Presbyterian Church is one of a growing number of local organisations supporting the local campaign to achieve Fairtrade status for the district. A number of church members sit on the Banbridge District Fairtrade Steering Committee, use Fairtrade products at events and have helped promote Fairtrade by publishing an article in the church newsletter.

Council Waste and Environment Manager Barry Patience said, “Today over a third of what we eat and drink is consumed away from the home.

“So there is enormous potential for the increased use of Fairtrade products in our schools, businesses, churches and communities.

“Switching to a product carrying the Fairtrade Mark, from canteen or vending machine to the flowers at reception, is a meaningful way to make a real difference to the lives of farmers and workers in developing countries.

“We are asking more organisations in the district to enter the competition and at the same time support our Fairtrade campaign. Simply contact the Technical Services Department on 4066 0604 before the closing date of Tuesday May 8.”

Those who enter will receive certificates to display in their premises and let members of the public know that they are selling or using Fairtrade products. The winning organisation will be announced later in May.

As part of World Fairtrade Day on 12 May 2012, the council will run another competition and will be asking local residents to get involved by finding out which local organisations are displaying the certificates and supporting the local campaign to achieve Fairtrade status for the district.”

To add your organisation’s name to the growing list of Fairtrade supporters, contact Banbridge District Council on 4066 0604.