Christmas Fair marks ten years of Fairtrade

Ten years after Plymouth was awarded Fairtrade status, a Christmas Fair is being held to celebrate.

Plymouth was one of the first in the South West to earn the Fairtrade accolade in 2004 in recognition of its commitment to making fairly traded products available in local shops, cafes and other businesses.

The Just Christmas market takes place on Saturday 29th November 2014 at Hope Baptist Church, Peverell Corner, PL3 4QLG from 10am to 4pm. Everything for sale including refreshments, is either locally or ethically produced, Fairtrade or charity merchandise. Proceeds from the event go to the charity Chicks which provides breaks for disadvantaged children.

Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Cooperatives, Housing and Community Safety, said: “As part of our ambition to make Plymouth a Fairer City we are committed to supporting Fairtrade initiatives within the city. We are happy to mark ten years of Fairtrade status and urge local people to support this Christmas fair.”

Plymouth was awarded Fairtrade status a decade ago following a joint application by Plymouth City Council, Plymouth Global Justice Group, and the Plymouth and South West Cooperative Society.

The city now offers thousands of fair trade products including tea, coffee, chocolate bars and eco-chic T-shirts.

For more information on the Fairtrade movement in Plymouth go to www.fairtradeplymouth.org.uk

More information on Chicks is available here: http://www.chicks.org.uk/