World Fair Trade Day is the largest Fair Trade event in North America. Communities around the country are celebrating between May 1 - May 14th, and culminating on Saturday the 14th.
As a certified Fair Trade and Fair for Life company, the concept of fair trade is intrinsic to Theo Chocolate. And yet, we recognize that most consumers are not as steeped in the concept of fair trade as we are. For this reason, we welcome every opportunity to share the fair trade concepts of social responsibility, promotion of fair wages and good working conditions and protection of human rights. We are committed to educating consumers and celebrating our mission and vision alongside our partners in the Fair Trade movement.
This year, Theo Chocolate has partnered with the Fair Trade Resource Network to *sweeten* World Fair Trade Day celebrations through chocolate donations for a wide variety of projects and around the U.S. A few examples:
The Villa Maria Community Center in Villa Maria, PA - MAY 14th
Plowsharing Crafts in Saint Louis, MO - MAY 14th
Dalton High School in Dalton, GA - MAY 10-13th
Fair Trade Cities Missoula - in Missoula, GA - MAY 14th
We have already heard from Maria Louzon, who organized a World Fair Trade Day at the end of April on the University of Maryland Campus. Students sampled Fair Trade products and talked about their impressions. Louzon said "This really made me feel a sense of accomplishment because I wanted students to start a dialogue with others about Fair Trade at the event and this definitely happened more than once!"
In 2009, over 65,000 people took a "Fair Trade Break" by purchasing only fair trade certified products between May 1 - 14. This year, organizers are trying to increase that number to 100,000 participants! In another show of support, Theo will offer 10% off all Theo merchandise in our own retail store on May 14th. We are committed to continuing to promote the fair trade cause through our own products and educational mission, and to finding creative ways to help you join the movement! Don’t forget to take a Fair Trade break of your own between May 1 -14, and remember, the choices you make as a consumer matter every single day!
Comments