Patrick Chabviaka is a volunteer with CAFOD and is trying to reach as many parishes and schools to engage in CAFOD camping actions including ‘Power to Be’ and ‘Live Simply’
This morning Patrick took action and downloaded the letter to give to his local Sainsbury Store Manager saying he was really unhappy that they have decided to ditch the Fairtrade certification on their popular Red label and Gold Label tea products. (Link to the letter to download here)
Patrick Chabviaka: Wrtiting to Sainsbury’s asking them not to ditch Fairtrade
Patrick said, “I am really worried about this, the communities I have seen to benefit from Fairtrade will be badly effected by this decision. I am going into my local Sainsbury’s this afternoon to let them know how I feel and that they should reconsider.”
Sainsbury’s is the largest retailer of Fairtrade products in the UK. They’ve decided to abandon Fairtrade certification on some of their own-brand tea products and pilot their own scheme instead, known as ‘Fairly Traded’.
Tea farmers in Africa have publicly opposed the move away from the Fairtrade Mark as it takes away their power to decide where to invest the Fairtrade Premium in their communities. We are concerned that this new ‘Fairly Traded’ tea, and any products that follow it, could mean an unfair deal for poor farmers.
Bronagh was inspired to do likewise, “Patrick is such a good campaign volunteer, he has encourage so many people in parishes across the Diocese of Leeds to take part in actions that collectively will make a big difference. I will be handing my local Sainsbury’s store Manager a letter this afternoon too. If you want to organise a group action but you’re not really sure where to begin, you can find an organiser’s guide, Fairtrade mug props, fliers and even a template press release on the Don’t Ditch Fairtrade website and let us know what you get up to by sending a tweet to @CAFODLeeds ”
Campaigners outside the Sainsbury’s AGM have a clear message: Don’t ditch Fairtrade on its own-brand tea.
For more information, click here
Please let us know if you have downloaded the letter and handed it to your local Sainsbury’s Store Manager leeds@cafod.org.uk (0113) 275 9302
Sophie will be supporting the Chaplaincy team with CAFOD campaigns, prayer and fundraising actions throughout the year. As part of her year with CAFOD, sophie will be visiting local schools and parishes to talk about her expereince in Global Development and is currently preparing for her international visit, working with our charity partners in El Salvador. Please remember her in your prayers and wish her all the best in her placement year with Leeds Trinity University Chaplaincy.
