The Fair Traders Co-operative in Holmfirth and the Holme Valley Fairtrade Support Group will
be hosting an event with a difference this Fairtrade Fortnight! On Saturday 5th March shoppers
will be treated to the sight of Fairtrade cotton underpants being strung from The Fair Traders Co-
operative shop and across the river to celebrate the positive impact that fair trade has on the lives
of millions of people around the world. The pants will be displayed along a string which will also
showcase local people’s fair trade messages written on Fairtrade bunting, as part of a record-
breaking attempt being organised by the Fairtrade Foundation.
The theme of this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight (28th February – 13th March) is ‘show off your label’,
encouraging people to shout about their commitment to fair trade. Groups around the country will
be stringing up Fairtrade bunting, which will later be sewn together by the Fairtrade Foundation in
an attempt to beat the world record for the longest piece of bunting. Thanks to generous donations
of Fairtrade cotton pants by ethical companies Who Made Your Pants?, Pants to Poverty and
People Tree, The Fair Traders Co-operative and the Holme Valley Fairtrade Support Group are
planning to add bloomers to their bunting.
As well as the bunting launch, events at The Fair Traders Co-operative on 5th March will include
an opportunity to view a collection of Fairtrade cotton bags that have been decorated and signed
by celebrities including Joanna Lumley, Patrick Stewart, David Cameron, Fern Cotton and Simon
Armitage. Workshops will be running at The Fair Traders Co-operative twice a day between 23rd
and 26th February at which people will be invited to decorate their own Fairtrade bags and write
their messages on the bunting that will be strung across the town.
Fairtrade pioneer, Monica Norley, co-founder of leading ethical body care company, Visionary
Soap, will be attending events at The Fair Traders Co-operative on 5th March. Monica is
leading ‘an inspirational evening’ on Friday 4th March at the shop, at which she will tell the amazing
story of her company, its products and the compelling human stories behind the ingredients used
in Visionary Soap’s Fairtrade range.
To link in with Traidcraft’s ‘Big Brew’ theme for Fairtrade Fortnight, those attending the workshops
and the bunting launch will be able to enjoy a cup of Fairtrade tea or coffee as events (and the
bunting) unfold!
ENDS
For further information please contact Helen Robinson at The Fair Traders Co-operative
tel: 01484 690515 email: info@thefairtraderscooperative.co.uk
Notes
1. The Fair Traders Cooperative is a co-operative selling fairly traded, ethical and
sustainable products from the local area and producer groups across the world.
The shop opened its doors in June 2010 through investments from individuals,
community groups, businesses and other co-operatives, and has an online store at
www.thefairtraderscooperative.co.uk.
2. The Holme Valley Fairtrade Support Group was established in 2005, and with the support
of local businesses and community organisations gained Fairtrade Town status for the
Holme Valley in 2006.
3. Further details about all these events are available at
www.thefairtraderscooperative.co.uk.
4. Fairtrade Fortnight is promoted each year by the Fairtrade Foundation. More information is
available at www.fairtrade.org.uk/show_off_your_label
Fair Trader: A Journey of Discovery 