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In September 2010, the Borough of Antrim received its Fairtrade Borough award; the first Borough in Ireland to receive the accolade. To become a Fairtrade Borough, the Council had to show a real commitment from all sectors of the community to promote and use fairly traded products in order to help others less fortunate than ourselves. Five goals had to be met as laid down by the Fairtrade. These included:
1. The Council passing a resolution to support Fairtrade and agreeing to serve Fairtrade products,
2. At least two Fairtrade products be readily available in 10 retail outlets and 5 catering outlets,
3. Local workplaces and community organisations support Fairtrade and use products wherever possible,
4. Media coverage & events be organised to raise awareness and understanding of Fairtrade across the community.
5. A local Fairtrade steering group be convened to ensure the campaign continues to develop & gain new support.
To raise awareness and understanding of Fairtrade a number of highly successful events were organised including Christmas markets, a Fairtrade Cookery demonstration with Jenny Bristow in 2008, a sell out Fairtrade Fashion show in the Hilton, Templepatrick in 2009, a number of community based events for Fairtrade fortnight 2010 and a Fairtrade coffee producer visit in 2011. These events generated a great deal of media coverage.
Antrim Borough Community Fairtrade Committee submitted their application for the award, outlining the number of premises, businesses, retailers and catering establishments that supported Fairtrade and their entire portfolio of work and campaigns over the three year period and were duly rewarded with the status of Fairtrade Borough. We really appreciate the hard work, dedication and commitment given by everyone and which made becoming a Fairtrade Borough possible. Many retailers and catering outlets actually went over and above the basic requirements and were very supportive of the campaign. We encourage everyone involved to continue supporting Fairtrade and help farmers and workers across the world obtain a fair return.
If you would like to register your business as a Fairtrade supporter that offers Fairtrade products to staff or customers, or would like to join the Antrim Borough Fairtrade Community Committee, please contact Danielle McCormick, Environmental Education and Awareness Officer T. 028 9446 3113 E. danielle.mccormick@antrim.gov.uk
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