Supporting social justice and the environment, one cup of coffee at a time…

Do you ever think about how the products you enjoy are made? Do you ever wonder about the people who produce them?

January 29, 2010 – Many of the products that originate overseas, including tea, coffee and chocolate, come to local stores through a system of trade that leaves the producers and workers who grow them impoverished, forcing them to use agricultural practices that are damaging to the environment.

There is, however, an alternative to this unsustainable practice. It’s called Fair Trade. According to the Manitoba Council for International Cooperation (MCIC), Manitoba’s leading organization in the promotion of Fair Trade practices, Fair Trade is an approach to international trade that is based on a more equitable and sustainable form of exchange among producers, traders and customers. By purchasing products labeled Fair Trade, you ensure that the people who produce the products can earn a fair income and can follow more environmentally sustainable production practices.

Through their Fair Trade Manitoba program, MCIC holds the annual Fair Trade One Month Challenge. “The One Month Challenge is an engaging and fun way to encourage Manitobans to consider the impact of their purchasing decisions and to promote the purchase of fairly traded products,” says Zack Gross, Coordinator of the One Month Challenge. By taking the challenge, participants pledge that any chocolate, coffee or tea they consume between February 14 and March 15 will be Fair Trade.

In 2010, ACU will once again encourage our employees and members to take up the Challenge. “At Assiniboine Credit Union, we believe in safe, respectful workplaces and fair pay, and in supporting others who are working to find positive solutions to environmental concerns. This is why ACU is pleased to be a leading sponsor and a host organization for the Fair Trade One Month Challenge,” says Duane Nicol, ACU’s Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility.

Every ACU member who takes the challenge will be entered into a draw for one of 10 prize packages containing goodies that taste great—and work to promote more sustainable communities.

To learn more about Fair Trade, the One Month Challenge, and where you can find Fair Trade products, visit the Fair Trade Manitoba website at fairtrademanitoba.ca

How to take the One Month Challenge and be entered to win an ACU Prize Package:

1.  Sign up for the challenge online at the special ACU sign-up page at
fairtrademanitoba.ca/get-involved/omc/acu-individual

2.  Learn where you can find Fair Trade products in your community at fairtrademanitoba.ca/buy/

3.  From February 14, 2010 to March 15, 2010, make sure that any coffee, tea, or chocolate you consume is Fair Trade. You can start strong by sending a Valentine’s gift of Fair Trade chocolate to someone you care about, and share the Fair Trade story.

It’s that easy. Winners of the ACU prize packages will be contacted directly and their names posted on the ACU website.

What is Fair Trade?

Fair trade is an approach to international trade that is based on a more equitable and sustainable form of exchange than conventional forms of trade which now dominate the market.

Under fair trade, the exchange for products is based on prices that recognize the true cost of labour and production and therefore allow a small producer in a developing country to make a sufficient income to keep a decent roof over their head, feed their families and send their children to school.

Having fair prices also allows small producers to choose more environmentally sustainable production practices, instead of cheaper and more destructive ones.

How am I helping by purchasing fair trade products?

By purchasing fair trade products you are helping to create a market for goods that are produced in socially and environmentally responsible ways. That means that workers are paid fair wages and have good working conditions, and care is taken not to harm the environment.

By choosing to purchase fairly traded products, you consciously value the well being of the people and communities who produce the products you enjoy.

What is Fair Trade Manitoba?

Fair Trade Manitoba is an emerging network of concerned individuals, families and organizations that was launched in the fall of 2006 to promote fair trade issues and fair trade products.

To learn more about Fair Trade Manitoba and their activities, or about fair trade products in general, visit their website at www.fairtrademanitoba.ca.