Fairtrade Fortnight

Kiwis across the country are getting together over a cuppa to make a difference in the lives of people living in poverty in the developing world. They’re getting involved in Oxfam’s Morning Tea, a fun and easy fundraising event where people get together at home, work, school, and in their communities to enjoy some Fairtrade goodies and raise money to help people lift themselves out of poverty.

Hosts sign up online and receive a goodie bag containing Fairtrade certified tea, coffee, chocolate and hot chocolate (kindly donated by Scarborough Fair, Caffe L’Affare, Whittaker’s and Kokako) to share with their guests. They collect donations at their event or online in the lead-up, which support Oxfam’s community development programmes in the Pacific and Southeast Asia.

The money raised by New Zealanders goes towards Oxfam’s work with communities at the grassroots level, as well as campaigns against the root causes of poverty. Oxfam also operates disaster relief; in situations such as the recent floods in the Solomon Islands, they were able to move quickly to provide life-saving assistance to people in need.

Gwen Green, Oxfam’s Engagement Director, says Oxfam’s Morning Tea isn’t just about raising money; it’s an annual celebration of Fair trade:

“The name gives it away. Farmers deserve their fair share of the benefits of the products they produce. When this happens, we see people able to make real improvements to their lives and their communities. It’s the difference between families having enough to eat and being able to build schools and develop businesses. Its part of the solution to poverty, and it’s simple.”

Green is inspired by the Kiwis who have taken on hosting an Oxfam Morning Tea, and are positively impacting the lives of those in extreme poverty:

“The fair trade movement continues to reinforce what we as individuals can collectively achieve. Though it only requires a small change in which products we choose to buy – like Fairtrade certified bananas – it can make all the difference to farmers and their communities.”

Green added: “We’re really grateful to all of the participants and supporters for everything they do to enable Oxfam’s work,”

Oxfam’s Morning Teas are held during Fairtrade Fortnight from May 3-18. To support the fundraising effort or to sign up as a host, visit www.oxfamsmorningtea.org.nz or phone 0800 600 700.

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