Renfrewshire challenged to join Fairtrade world record attempt

Renfrewshire challenged to join Fairtrade world record attempt

 

People of all ages across Renfrewshire are being challenged to take part in a world record bid to create the longest string of bunting.

The theme of this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight (28th February- 13th March) is ‘Show Off Your Label’ with a particular focus on Fairtrade Cotton. As part of the campaign the Fairtrade Foundation is attempting to break a world record for the longest continual piece of bunting. The aim is to tell more people about how Fairtrade cotton protects the livelihoods of cotton farmers in West Africa and India.

The Renfrewshire Fairtrade Steering Group are backing the challenge and urging individuals and groups in the area to get by designing their own bunting using the Fairtrade Foundation bunting kits.

Councillor Brian Lawson, chair of the steering group, has already written to all the schools in the area asking pupils and staff to take part and is urging other groups, including churches, youth groups and nurseries to join in.

All the bunting that is created from schools across Renfrewshire will then be gathered together and sent off to the Fairtrade Foundation by 16th April for their world record breaking attempt.

A series of Fairtrade Fortnight events are also lined up to take place throughout Renfrewshire for people of all ages to get involved in.

These include everything from a family fun day at Paisley Town Hall, to a Fairtrade wine tasting in Lochwinnoch, a performance by a local theatre group on the injustices facing Fairtrade farmers and a Fairtrade football tournament.

Councillor Lawson said: “The support for Fairtrade in Renfrewshire is constantly growing and as a result this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight looks set to be our best yet with a huge range of events offering something for everyone.

“In particular we really want Renfrewshire to back the world record attempt to create the world’s longest string of bunting. This is something you could do if you are part of a local youth or community group or maybe just as something fun to do with your friends. The aim is to raise the profile of Fairtrade which ensures that farmers and producers get a fairly paid for their work. As well as empowering producers Fairtrade also supports communities in developing countries by helping to build things like schools, roads and provide running water so this is a great way to do something fun whilst helping those in poorer countries.”
Fairtrade currently helps more than 7.5 million of the world’s most vulnerable people.

Packs of blank Fairtrade bunting are available for free from the Fairtrade Foundation for a limited number with further packs available to buy go to www.fairtradefoundation.org.uk

For a full list of events running in Renfrewshire over Fairtrade Fortnight go to www.renfrewshire.gov.uk. You can also get the latest news and information from Renfrewshire by following our Twitter feed @RenCouncilNews