May 10, 2008
More than 2,500 people
take a FAIR TRADE Break
In celebration of World Fair Trade Day*, Fair Trade Hong Kong and Oxfam Hong Kong organised a FAIR TRADE Fair today (10 May 2008) at Central Star Ferry Pier, that attracted more than 5,000 people, with sales reaching about HK$70,000. This is the second year that Hong Kong marked the global day: the number of participants in 2008 is 4 times more than in 2007, and sales increased 35 per cent.
FAIR TRADE Break
For the first time, the organisers called on Hong Kong people to take a FAIR TRADE Break – to use or buy Fair Trade products anytime and anywhere on 9th and 10th May. At least 2,500 people from schools, elderly centres, community groups, restaurants and companies took part – demonstrating that Fair Trade is a part of their lives.
At the FAIR TRADE Fair, nearly 500 participants and guests gathered at 3pm to make a toast to Fair Trade, including three Legislative Councillors, Alan Leong, Ronny Tong and Audrey Eu, and two Commercial Radio One representatives, Vincent Wong, Director of Strategic Planning, and Talk Show Host, Poon Siu-to.
11 organisations pledge to be a FAIR TRADE workplace
The event also launched the official inauguration of the new Fair Trade Workplace Society, with 11 organisations as founding members: ABN/ARMO, Asia Financial, Asia Insurance, Hysan Development, NWS Holdings, The Hong Kong and China Gas Co. Ltd, the Hong Kong Institute of Education, Hong Kong Council of Social Service, TBWA\Hong Kong, Royal Bank Of Scotland Group PlC and Oxfam Hong Kong.
C. K. Lo, a member of the Fair Trade Workplace Society Committee, said at today’s ceremony that the setting up of the Society is a way to provide the business sector with a platform to promote Fair Trade and to help eradicate poverty around the world. All members pledge to use Fair Trade products in their pantries; to educate their employees on the concept of Fair Trade; and to promote Fair Trade in their industry/profession.
The Hon. Bernard Chan, President of Asia Insurance and Asia Financial Group, said “economic globalisation brings us many business opportunities. Some people are benefiting while some are suffering from trade injustice: Fair Trade can help correct the injustice. And as a member of the business sector, we all have a role to play, however large or small. As more and more people join the call for Fair Trade and realise its benefits and economic incentives, we can all make change together.”
Fair Trade for mothers
About 10 booths at the fair showcased Fair Trade chocolate, snacks, coffee, tea, clothing, handicrafts, footballs and more. Buying Fair Trade is especially meaningful on the eve of Mothers’ Day, 11th May. Some customers bought Fair Trade gifts for their mothers and this supported many women who produce food and products – most farmers and factory workers around the world are women.
Visitors learned more about Fair Trade from the exhibition panels, interactive games, and a children’s drawing and paper-folding area.
*World Fair Trade Dayis held every year on the second Saturday of May. The first global campaign of the Fair Trade movement to connect producer-worker-farmers and customers, it is endorsed by the World Fair Trade Organization (www.wfto.com) which has members in 70 countries. The theme of World Fair Trade Day 2008 is Fair Trade and Ecology.
