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YOUR LOCAL PAPER
Wednesday, February 5, 2020 Vol. 43, No. 6
$1 includes GST
Fair Trade purchases give workers a living wage Patricia Harcourt Editor
Many people may not be aware that Fair Trade products are available at the Golden Valley Lutheran Church in Viking courtesy of the church's women's group. "Fair Trade is both a world mission and has been used as a fundraiser for our women's group," Sandy Erickson explains. "Since we have no overhead or employee costs with Fair Trade, the mark up placed on the products goes towards donations and support of Mission related objectives." It makes possible donations to the Food for the Hungry that includes the sponsorship of a child and 'soup mix' program. This soup program goes into the school in Acul several times a week to alleviate chronic malnutrition that takes the lives of one out of five children under the age of three. Other donations include, but are not limited to, the shipping of 20 boxes for Operation Christmas Child. Fair Trade is a movement in its own right designed to give workers a fair return for their labour in a way that respects their dignity and allows no slave labour, especially child labour. "Coffee and chocolate are the two most exploitive (industries) across the world," said Erickson, using a lot of child labour. But under Fair Trade rules "nobody under the age of 16 is allowed," she said. Fair Trade is described as a co-operative social movement, or "an alternative approach to conventional trade." It is based on a partnership between producers and consumers. It is also called "an international non-governmental, non-profit organization that is trying to secure a better future for farmers and workers of developing countries." Erickson opens their display cupboards back at the church showing the many Fair Trade products that can be bought there. "Your ethical purchases supporting Fair Trade gives families in developing countries an opportunity to earn a living wage as well as support additional mission related donations," she said. Purchases can be made in several ways, by cheque, e-transfer, or cash. Some of the funds raised through Free Trade go towards the good of the community in these developing countries, including the schools, hospitals, and community centres. This effort helps to lower crime and creates healthier lifestyle possibilities by improving food
Sandy Erickson stands next to the cupboards at the Golden Valley Lutheran Church displaying the Fair Trade products available to purchase through the church women's group. She holds two of the favourite items in her hands: a Fair Trade chocolate bar and a package of Bolivian coffee. PATRICIA HARCOURT PHOTO
access, clothing, and security, she said. Mothers trying to earn money for their families can be taught skills, such as making crafts like jewellery and scarves they can sell through Fair Trade. Fair Trade is a movement to stop the poverty and exploitation of people by working together to help raise them and others out of a vicious cycle. And there are a lot of people in the world that could be raised out of poverty. Currently, 2.1 billion people in the world live on less than $2 per day. And 880 million live on half that amount. In developing countries 75 per cent of poor people live in rural areas, and most of these are dependent upon agriculture for their livelihoods. "Utilities wouldn't be an option, a vehicle would be out of the question, food and school for your children would be a struggle," she said. "In developing countries, many resort to harmful and often illegal choices to make a few dollars or are exploited and trafficked." Their products are sold through "middlemen," she said, such as 10,000 Villages. But the biggest Fair Trade chain in Canada is closing down 14 of its stores while keeping only eight, including one in
Edmonton. "They can't afford the overhead and a living wage for the staff. And they are hoping that groups like the Golden Valley Lutheran Women will continue with Fair Trade." The church has a Fair Trade price list for those who wish to come and purchase items. The list includes coffee, hot chocolate, tea, dried fruit, cane sugar, rice, chocolate bars and chips, cocoa powder, cacao nibs, shredded coconut, as well as spices, jewellery, scarves and bags. "So Fair Trade is very much the opportunity to purchase ethical products," she said. "It's not exploiting children who can now go to school," instead of working in the fields. The women's group ladies can open the display cupboards when someone wishes to shop for these products. If the church is open it means someone is there and available to help them. Or phone Sandy at 780-336-1022 or Muriel at 780-385-1948 to set up a time. "Your ethical purchases supporting Fair Trade gives families in developing countries an opportunity to earn a living wage as well as support additional Mission related donations," said Erickson.