Fairtrade Fortnight is the annual nationwide campaign to promote awareness of Fairtrade.  It is a way to help tackle poverty and create opportunities for producers and workers who have been sold short by the conventional trading system. This year’s theme is ‘The Big Swap.’ This means shoppers are encouraged to swap everyday shopping basket items such as tea, sugar and biscuits for Fairtrade products.

A series of events involving schools, churches and organisations will be held across the Borough to support Fairtrade Fortnight. For example, the South Tyneside Fairtrade Steering Group have planned a ‘Big Swap’ drop in event at South Shields Town Hall. This will allow people an opportunity to have a Fairtrade cuppa, browse through Fairtrade products and find out a bit more about Fairtrade and how they can support it. The event will be held on Thursday 25^th February at South Shields Town Hall in the Reception Room from 1pm to 3pm. Everyone is welcome. 

Buying Fairtrade goods such as coffee, tea, fruit and chocolate really does make a difference. People know that when they buy these products that they are putting money directly into the pockets of those who need our help.

It is important to continue to promote awareness and the advantages of buying Fairtrade goods which is so important to making a real contribution to helping deprived people lift themselves out of poverty.