Football match kicks off Fairtrade fortnight
There will be fair play from Hackney Wick FC as they kick off Fairtrade fortnight this year using ethically sourced footballs from Bala Sport Fairtrade in their match on Saturday 4 March.
The Fairtrade footballs are produced in Sialkot Pakistan, by men and women who are paid a fair wage and benefit from fair working conditionals and a Fairtrade premium that helps fund health and education projects.
To help give Fairtrade a sporting chance, Hackney Council will also be giving out the ethically sourced footballs to schools and youth groups across the borough during Fairtrade fortnight. With ethical under-11s matches held at Hackney marshes on Saturday 11 March.
Fairtrade fortnight runs from 27 February to 12 March. The nationwide initiative, led by the Fairtrade Foundation aims to increase awareness to consumers about the things they buy.
The Hackney Fairtrade group will also be hosting a family fun day in Gillett Square on Saturday 11 March from 2-5pm. Families will be able to play games and learn more about how shopping Fairtrade can make a difference to people’s lives in some of the poorest countries around the world.
Fairtrade is a commitment to a better deal for producers in developing countries, which ensures they receive a decent price for a good product. From footballs, to half time fruit, to an after match coffee, we want to raise awareness through Fairtrade fortnight about our power as consumers, and how we can affect change through ethical consumption.
Hackney is a Fairtrade borough and has hosted Fairtrade events for the last ten years, with the Hackney Fairtrade Group operating since 2007 to promote this ethos to local businesses and organisations, and help influence where they get their supplies.
To find out more about Fairtrade in Hackney, where you can buy Fairtrade in the borough or how you can get involved with the Hackney Fairtrade Group visit www.hackney.gov.uk/fairtrade or email fair.trade@hackney.gov.uk.