Fairtrade Fortnight took place this year between 25 February - 9 March and is the annual campaign to raise awareness and promote products carrying the Fairtrade mark. Every year campaigners around the country organise thousands of events such as breakfasts, banquets, fashion shows, community events and football matches - all using or promoting Fairtrade items.
There were a number of awareness raising events in Waltham Forest to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight. Schools, restaurants, lunch clubs and colleges all helped raise awareness of Fairtrade goods now available in local shops and producers across the globe. The Waltham Forest Fairtrade Guide was officially launched at a special buffet evening at the Star Of India restaurant in Leytonstone.
Among those enjoying the Fairtrade rice, nan bread, honey beer and wine were TV newsreader, George Alagiah. The evening came about as local Fairtraders from East London challenged the restaurant to provide drinks and a buffet with as much as possible sourced from Fairtrade goods. The restaurant donated £200 from the evening’s proceeds towards the plight of banana growers in the Caribbean Isles.
Other events included a Fairtrade business lunch in Chingford, a Consumer Awareness evening and a coffee morning at Waltham Forest College. The Council held a Fairtrade Schools open day at the Town Hall and Clarkes Caterers invited people to a Fairtrade cake tasting week at the Queens Road Education Centre.
The borough’s youngsters did their bit too with Mayville School in Leytonstone declaring itself a Fairtrade School at a special Assembly where children put on a performance about Farmers in developing countries. The school held a special Football tournament in the afternoon using its first Fairtrade Football.
