Central England Co-op looks forward to marking two weeks of Fairtrade celebrations

Central England Co-op is set to talk about the importance of Fairtrade as they provide a range of exciting content for youngsters and adults during two weeks of celebrations which get underway next week.

Fairtrade Fortnight (February 21 – March 6) is an annual showcase of the producers and products that they help create from coffee and flowers, to cotton and chocolate.

As a long-term supporter of Fairtrade, Central England Co-op is marking the two weeks with a range of events to spread the message and tell the stories of the producers across the communities it serves from Norfolk to Yorkshire.

In week one, the Society is holding a free online Fairtrade talk with a Q&A delivered by the Fairtrade Foundation, open to Central England Co-op members and members of other retail co-ops.

Those joining the session will learn about the essential work the Fairtrade Foundation does in collaboration with Fairtrade farmers and workers to tackle immense challenges such as climate change and Covid-19 and to champion for better conditions.

The 45-minute free event takes place on Thursday, 24 February at 7pm and to register for a place visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-online-fairtrade-seminar-tickets-260197737437

In the second week of the Fortnight, attention turns to celebrating the fantastic range of Fairtrade wines available in Central England Co-op stores and the stories of the producers behind them.

The Society is working with the Wine Events Company for the free online wine tasting at 7pm on Thursday, 3 March hosted by a WSET level 3 qualified wine connoisseur.

At this live 60-minute Zoom event, those taking part will taste four Fairtrade wines, learn the basics of wine tasting and enjoy a few games, activities and polls to ensure everyone has fun, while there will also be a chance to win a hamper of Fairtrade wine.

They will also learn how every bottle they buy can have an impact on the lives of the farmers and workers who grew the grapes.

Visit www.centralengland.coop/food/healthy-living/read-between-the-winesto pre-book a place and find out about the wines that will be tasted and advice on snacks that can be paired with them to enhance the tasting experience. Those signing up will receive a money-off voucher to pick up the wines ahead of the event.

Educating young people and getting out in the community is always a major part of Central England Co-op’s Fairtrade Fortnight celebrations and after the restrictions in place last year, 2022 offers more opportunities for its community teams to reach youngsters in person with the Fairtrade message.

Activities include the delivering of Fairtrade workshops and assemblies, instore ethical challenges and awareness events in collaboration with local Fairtrade groups.

Several workshops and assemblies will be delivered by Central England Co-op community teams including at St John’s Primary School in Leicester, Studfall Infant Academy in Corby, Snettisham Primary School in Kings Lynn, Somerleyton Primary School in Lowestoft and St Elizabeth Primary School in Rugeley.

There will be a special Fairtrade Awareness Event in collaboration with the East Staffordshire Fairtrade Group in Burton at the Stapenhill Food Store in Woods Lane on Wednesday, 23 February between 12 and 5pm with a chance to find out more about Fairtrade.

Youngsters can also take part in a colouring competition during Fairtrade Fortnight where participants are asked to answer three Fairtrade questions as well as complete the picture with the chance to win a special prize, with colouring sheets available in all Central England Co-op stores.

There is 20% off Fairtrade products for members in store across the two weeks and more information about Fairtrade at Central England Co-op, including producer stories and recipes can be found at www.centralengland.coop/food/fairtrade