Fairtrade Launch Success
The launch of Queen’s University Belfast being granted Fairtrade status was held on Wednesday 8th of February in the Great Hall.
Vice-Chancellor of the university, Peter Gregson stated: “This recognition is particularly meaningful because of the strong partnership between Queen’s staff and students and the wider community. Queen’s is honoured to have been designated as Belfast City Council’s Flagship Employer and to have played a role in the Council’s successful bid for Belfast to be declared a UK Fairtrade City.
“The award of Fairtrade status is a tangible example of Queen’s dedication to meeting the corporate social responsibility which stems from our leading role in the community. We are delighted to be part of an international effort that is helping thousands of people invest in a better future.”
Belfasts Lord Mayor, Councillor Wallace Browne , remarked upon the significance of Queen’s support for Belfast’s successful bid to be recognised as a Fairtrade City.
Ben Preston, Students’ Union President, said: “Although this was an initiative first proposed by students, it would not have reached fruition without the full support of the university authorities. Quite simply, by making Fairtrade produce available in the retail and refreshments outlets on campus and by ensuring Fairtrade tea and coffee are served at all official functions within the University, thousands of people in the developing world will be ensured a better and fairer future. In this case actions speak louder than words.”
The huge impact of Fairtrade on famers in developing communities was driven home by a photographic exhibition by local artist Gordy Ashbribge. Photographs were taken during the Presbyterian Chaplaincy trip to South Africa in July 2005. Students, whilst taking a break from manual labour buildng houses with Habitat for Humanity, were able to visit a Fairtrade vineyard in Capetown. The difference in quality of life of farmers benefiting from Fairtrade prices was clearly visable in the photographs.
A Fairtrade fashion show was also held within the launch event. Clothes were modelled by students from the university, with clothes available from Pueblos Fairtrade shop (Lower Ormeau Road) and Fairtrade Inspires (Spires Mall, Belfast City centre). A lunch consisting of Fairtrade foods and wine was also served.
This event marked a exciting step in the campaign for the promotion of Fairtrade within the university. The Fairtrade steering committee aim to build upon the current awareness in order to encourage all at Queen’s to be ethical consumers.
Check out this link for further details….
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/4691182.stm
Vice-Chancellor of the university, Peter Gregson stated: “This recognition is particularly meaningful because of the strong partnership between Queen’s staff and students and the wider community. Queen’s is honoured to have been designated as Belfast City Council’s Flagship Employer and to have played a role in the Council’s successful bid for Belfast to be declared a UK Fairtrade City.
“The award of Fairtrade status is a tangible example of Queen’s dedication to meeting the corporate social responsibility which stems from our leading role in the community. We are delighted to be part of an international effort that is helping thousands of people invest in a better future.”
Belfasts Lord Mayor, Councillor Wallace Browne , remarked upon the significance of Queen’s support for Belfast’s successful bid to be recognised as a Fairtrade City.
Ben Preston, Students’ Union President, said: “Although this was an initiative first proposed by students, it would not have reached fruition without the full support of the university authorities. Quite simply, by making Fairtrade produce available in the retail and refreshments outlets on campus and by ensuring Fairtrade tea and coffee are served at all official functions within the University, thousands of people in the developing world will be ensured a better and fairer future. In this case actions speak louder than words.”
The huge impact of Fairtrade on famers in developing communities was driven home by a photographic exhibition by local artist Gordy Ashbribge. Photographs were taken during the Presbyterian Chaplaincy trip to South Africa in July 2005. Students, whilst taking a break from manual labour buildng houses with Habitat for Humanity, were able to visit a Fairtrade vineyard in Capetown. The difference in quality of life of farmers benefiting from Fairtrade prices was clearly visable in the photographs.
A Fairtrade fashion show was also held within the launch event. Clothes were modelled by students from the university, with clothes available from Pueblos Fairtrade shop (Lower Ormeau Road) and Fairtrade Inspires (Spires Mall, Belfast City centre). A lunch consisting of Fairtrade foods and wine was also served.
This event marked a exciting step in the campaign for the promotion of Fairtrade within the university. The Fairtrade steering committee aim to build upon the current awareness in order to encourage all at Queen’s to be ethical consumers.
Check out this link for further details….
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/4691182.stm