Special event to celebrate 20th anniversary of Fair Trade Stirling
People are being invited to a special celebration at Forth Valley College next month to mark the 20th anniversary of Fair Trade Stirling.
Article Source: Fair Trade Stirling
Last Updated: 27 August 2024 11:09
The event on Thursday 12th September will help raise funds for a solar-powered irrigation pump for a group of women who grow rice in Kaporo, in northern Malawi.
As well as a fair trade dinner, there will be a talk from guest speaker, Howard Msukwa, member of Karonga District National Smallholder Farmers’ Association of Malawi, and an award ceremony for a poster competition involving Stirling’s young people. Tickets are available via: www.ticketsource.co.uk/fairtradestirling
Fair Trade Stirling is a voluntary organisation that works with various bodies, including Stirling Council, to promote Fairtrade and fairly traded goods.
Jon Cape, co-ordinator of Fair Trade Stirling said: “We have been working with Howard Msukwa and his NASFAM colleagues in Malawi since 2010, more than half the time since Fair Trade Stirling was formed.
“I am delighted that Howard is able to join us and share some of the stories of our collaboration over the years as we celebrate our 20th anniversary.
“That work has included support to set up the Stirling Skills Centre in Karonga, which helps young people get the skills they need to find work, so it is very fitting that our celebration also includes the award ceremony for our young people’s Fair Trade poster competition.”
Howard’s organisation represents a dynamic group of 9,000 rice farmers in the Karonga district of North Malawi who are working to deliver low carbon ways of mitigating the effects of climate change on their farms.
He said: “Please come to the event to get first-hand information from me, the Malawian farmer, about the important relationships that have developed between Stirling and Karonga in Malawi and the Kilombero rice that we produce.”
Stirling Council first passed a motion in support of Fairtrade in March 2004. This action, combined with the work of the Fair Trade Stirling group, led to Stirling receiving Fairtrade city status later that year.
In October 2012, the council passed a further motion about expanding its support for Fair Trade Stirling. As a result, the whole council area was awarded Fairtrade Zone status in 2013.
Alasdair Tollemache, Stirling’s Fairtrade Councillor, said: “We’re really proud that Stirling has been a Fairtrade city for 20 years and the positive difference this has made to people in low-income countries including the farmers in Malawi.
“This event is about celebrating the amazing efforts of volunteers across the Stirling area since 2004, and it’s also an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to do more to advance this crucial cause.”
Fair trade is an international movement that improving trading practices to guarantee a better deal for disadvantaged farmers and workers in developing countries. It involves entering into long-term trading relationships, agreeing on stable prices for producers and giving developing businesses support so their workers can gain skills.
Stirling Provost Elaine Watterson, who will be attending the event, said: “Over the past 20 years Stirling and its communities have shown their commitment to ethical trade and practices. The awareness of fair trade and the range of Fairtrade goods across Stirling has grown hugely in that time.
“By supporting Fairtrade, we can ensure the farmers and workers who grow our food are treated fairly, paid a sustainable wage and have decent working conditions. It also encourages environmentally-friendly farming practices and supports community development, so please show your support by coming along to this anniversary event.”
Bridge of Allan Coop will be contributing fair trade goods as prizes for the poster competition.
Craig Walford, Store Manager, said: “The Coop is a leading champion of fair trade and Bridge of Allan’s Coop store has worked with Fair Trade Stirling over the years with fund-raising events and provision of fair trade goods. We are delighted to provide the prizes for this competition”
Howard’s visit to Scotland is sponsored by the Scottish Fair Trade retailer True Origin.
Joyce Davidson, Chair of True Origin Partnerships, said: “True Origin is delighted to be funding this visit from Howard Msukwa, one of the founder members of KASFA (Kaporo Smallholder Farmers Association) in Malawi.
“True Origin (previously Just Trading Scotland and the Balmore Trust) has been at the heart of fair trade links between Scotland and KASFA since its inception; importing and marketing their wonderful Kilombero rice and supporting the community with capacity building projects. We are delighted to see the strong relationship that has been built up with Fair Trade Stirling over the years and to enable Howard to visit Scotland and join your 20th Anniversary celebrations.”
Fair Trade Stirling’s 20th anniversary event, which includes a Malawian-style fair trade meal, at Forth Valley College will run from 6pm to 8.45pm on Thursday 12 September. Tickets are priced at £22.50 and £8 for U18s and are available through the link above.
For more information on Fair Trade Stirling and a list of places selling Fairtrade goods in the area, visit: https://fairtradestirling.org/
Image: Solar Irrigation Pump being prepared
Sponsored Links
Latest Stirling News
World Gaelic Week unveils largest programme to date
Seachdain na Gàidhlig has unveiled details of its most diverse, ambitious and largest programme to date, bringing together speakers, learners and enthusiasts from across Scotland and beyond.
READ MORE
Finalists Selected for 2025 Stirling Business Awards
A shortlist of finalists for the 2025 Stirling Business Awards has been announced after more than 26,000 votes were cast during the selection process.
READ MORE
Stay Active this January at Gravity Active
Don’t let the shorter days and chilly weather get you down this January, stay active and experience boundless fun at Gravity Active!
READ MORE
Strike a PAWse: Brand new Valentine event for dogs at Dobbies
Dobbies is encouraging paw-rents across the UK to show their pooches some love this Valentine's Day at its brand-new dog event that will raise money for national dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust.
READ MORE
First Minister John Swinney launches the Doddie Aid 2025 campaign
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney launches the Doddie Aid 2025 campaign at Murrayfield stadium.
READ MORE
Wicked fans in Scotland invited to special Sing Along screenings at Vue this Boxing Day
After becoming one of the most popular big screen releases of 2024, Vue is excited to announce that an extra special sing-along version of Wicked is heading to the big screen this Boxing Day.
READ MORE
Funding win marks anniversary of Mackintosh acquisition
A generous package of funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has been pledged to the National Trust for Scotland to celebrate the genius of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald.
READ MORE
Caledonian Sleeper announces winners of photography competition celebrating UK beauty spots
Caledonian Sleeper has announced the winners of its photography competition aimed at celebrating the country's most scenic locations on the overnight train's iconic route.
READ MORE
Garden Centre invites budding indoor gardeners to its stores
Dobbies Garden Centres is kicking off the new year on a green note, offering two free workshops at its Scottish stores this January.
READ MORE
Ticketmaster announces Breakthrough 2025 list
Ticketmaster has unveiled its much-anticipated Breakthrough 2025 list, highlighting the brightest up-and-coming stars set to shape the live music scene in 2025.
READ MORE
Blooming Fabulous! The Scottish Garden Festival arrives in 2025!
This family-friendly festival takes place in the spacious and scenic Hamilton Park Racecourse, offering a perfect setting for all ages to enjoy.
READ MORE
Biffy Clyro, Young Fathers & Callum Beattie among winners at inaugural Scottish Live Music Awards
The Scottish Live Music Awards (SLMA) celebrated the best of Scotland's vibrant live music scene on Thursday night during a prestigious ceremony at Glasgow's Classic Grand Ballroom.
READ MORE
Dogstar Theatre brings Gideon Mack from page to stage
James Robertson's 2006 best-selling novel will be brought to life in early 2025 with a stage adaptation of The Testament of Gideon Mack from Dogstar Theatre Company.
READ MORE
Iconic soft drink is hitting the road with the festive truck the nation has been waiting for
The battle of festive cola trucks has already kicked off between Lidl and Coke - but now the country's most iconic soft drink, IRN-BRU, has joined in!
READ MORE
Thistles spreads festive joy with community Christmas card drive
This festive season, Thistles shopping centre, Stirling partners with esteemed poet Donna Ashworth to combat loneliness this Christmas.
READ MORE
Go Forth Stirling help city streets Sparkle with new Festive Lights
Stirling’s streets have been given extra twinkle and sparkle this winter thanks to an expansion of the city’s festive lighting.
READ MORE
itison founder calls for action to help children who will have nothing this winter
Founder of Scottish business, itison, Oli Norman, has spoken out about the 'devastating' level of poverty in Scotland this festive season.
READ MORE
Splash into 2025 with New Year challenge to transform lives
A unique swimming challenge is inviting swimmers to set personal goals and raise funds for a life-changing hydrotherapy pool on behalf of leading disability charity, Capability Scotland.
READ MORE
Cold water reset retreats with Sophie Hellyer debut at Marine Troon
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts launches new series - 'Adventure weekends with Marine & Lawn'.
READ MORE
Pick a tree and enjoy an Afternoon Tea at Dobbies Stirling
Celebrate the festive season with Christmas tree picking and an Afternoon Tea celebration at Dobbies’ Stirling store on Friday 6th and Saturday 7th December.
READ MORE
Enjoy the best of Belfast at Christmas with Stena Line
A beautiful city with a rich history and a giant adventure to be found around every corner, there is no shortage of incredible festive experiences to enjoy in Belfast.
READ MORE
Scottish artist Jasleen Kaur wins Turner Prize 2024
Jasleen Kaur, whose exhibition Alter Altar at Tramway uses a vintage Ford Escort, worship bells and Irn-Bru to celebrate the Scottish Sikh community, has won this year's Turner Prize.
READ MORE
TRNSMT reveals superstar first acts for Glasgow Green 2025
50 Cent, Biffy Clyro, Snow Patrol, The Script, Fontaines D.C. and Gracie Abrams are included among the much-anticipated first wave of artists announced for Scotland's biggest music event.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!
A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, children's rides, stalls, street food and a packed live entertainment schedule makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out!
READ MORE
Brewer gives away free pints to celebrate mockumentary launch
Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn lifts the lid on the beer industry with a mockumentary starring real employees and comedians Paul Dockery and Katie McKenzie.
READ MORE
Christmas tree season arrives at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is marking the official start of the 2024 festive season with its delivery of 50,000 real Christmas trees, available at stores across the UK now.
READ MORE
Glasgow music festival The Reeling announces extended 2025 dates and performances from Dougie Maclean, Eddi Reader and Valtos
A popular trad music festival is set to return in 2025 – and it's adding an extra night due to demand!
READ MORE
Final date added as 30,000 expected at biggest itison Drive In Movies Christmas
itison Drive In Movies Christmas adds final date after unprecedented demand with tickets for Elf & Love Actually on sale on Wednesday 27th November at 7.30am.
READ MORE
Revolutionary swim teaching tool launches in Scotland
A pioneering visual teaching tool has launched across Scotland, making swimming lessons more accessible to everyone.
READ MORE
Festive favourites back on the big screen at Vue in Scotland
To mark the countdown to Christmas, some of the most loved holiday classics are being brought back to the big screen at Vue venues in Scotland this festive season.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links