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SBC > LA21 > Up To Date > News |
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Press Release
26 February 2006
Running for a Fairer World
Link: Team SAAFT
Link: Fairtrade Fortnight in Stafford Borough
A team of local Fairtrade supporters will be running for a fairer world when they take part in the Stafford Half Marathon and Fun Run on Sunday 16 March - and they are looking for more runners to join in, too.
The Stafford Area Action for Fairtrade group runners, know as Team SAAFT, has been entering the local race since 2003. Last year over 25 people wore the distinctive yellow T-shirts emblazoned with the FAIRTRADE Mark that are given to all team members.
Fairtrade helps to relieve poverty across the world and bring sustainable development by guaranteeing a fair price for commodities as well as ensuring good working conditions and reinvestment in local communities.
Last year's Fun-Run team wore chains and shackles to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery Act and highlight the ongoing trafficking of slaves. This year's fancy dress theme is still under wraps!
More energetic Fairtrade runners will tackle the longer race and try and keep up with former winner and Team SAAFT member, Adri Hartvelt, whilst not being over-taken by the big yellow Fairtrade running banana.
"Fairtrade is winning a bigger and bigger market share these days, as more people want to buy ethical products," said Team SAAFT organiser Sebastian Pearce, "But we still want to get the message out that Fairtrade really does improve peoples lives in some of the worlds poorest communities - communities that may have to walk 13.1 miles for fresh water!"
The team will also be collecting sponsorship and donations to help in the re-building after Hurricane Dean that swept through the Caribbean last autumn and devastated many Fairtrade banana farms.
Other members of SAAFT will be helping give out 2500 Fairtrade bananas to all the runners in the races. The Bananas have been donated by Midlands Co-operative Society.
If you would like to join the Fairtrade Runners at the Stafford Half Marathon and Fun Run contact Sebastian Pearce at Stafford Borough Council's LA21 team T: 01785 619408. All team members receive a free Fairtrade T-shirt.
You can also show your support for Team SAAFT by waving them on dressed in yellow or waving the flags that are downloadable from www.staffordbc.gov.uk/fairtrade.
The Stafford Half Marathon and Fun Run take place on 16 March from Stafford's Market Square. Application forms are available from Stafford Borough Council's Leisure Services. T: 01785 619300
Stafford Area Action for Fairtrade (SAAFT) aims to actively raise awareness and understanding of Fairtrade issues amongst all sectors of the local community - from shoppers to café owners and from students to major service providers. Membership of the group is free and open to everyone. It was formed in 1999 as part of Stafford Borough Council's Local Agenda 21 programme. It's members are people who live and work in the Stafford area who believe that farmers and producers throughout the world deserve a fair deal for the goods they produce and which we all enjoy.
SAAFT continues to be supported by Stafford Borough Council's Local Agenda 21 team. LA21 aims to promote sustainable development and improve quality of life for everyone, both today and in the future, this means in Stafford Borough as well as other, poorer parts of the world.
Contact Sebastian Pearce, Local Agenda 21 Assistant T: 01785 619408
Link: Contact Us