Local Assembly Member Lee Waters has helped to launch a campaign for Llanelli to achieve Fairtrade and District Zone status.
The campaign seeks to recognise a commitment to supporting Fairtrade and using licensed products with the FAIRTRADE Mark within the Llanelli area.
Held at the Samuel Selwyn Centre in Llanelli, the event – a free party which included live music from The Wurlitzers, food and refreshments provided by The Coop and a popular kids’ craft corner – welcomed almost 70 people through its doors and managed to raise £250 for future Fairtrade events.
The event’s organiser, and secretary of Llanelli and District Fairtrade, Tara Fisher, said:
“It was a wonderful day. I really can’t thank the dedicated volunteers enough. I’d particularly like to thank the extraordinary Loraine Davies who helped with the children’s corner, and Paul Francis for the use of the venue.”
During the afternoon, Mrs. Fisher gave a short speech encouraging people to shop for Fairtrade goods.
Lee Waters, Llanelli’s Assembly Member, attended the event to add his support to the campaign. He said:
““I was pleased to attend the launch of this campaign and look forward to seeing Llanelli and District becoming a Fairtrade zone. Campaigns like these help raise awareness of Fairtrade and the important role it plays in getting producers a fair price for their goods.”
Nia Griffith MP, who was unable to attend the event due to a prior commitment, said: “I am delighted that Tara Fisher has provided the inspiration to re-launch a Fair trade Group in Llanelli. I look forward to working with her to promote wider awareness and uptake of Fair Trade products.”
Tara Fisher explained that the next step for the group will be to visit the churches in Llanelli and to find volunteers who are willing to sell Fairtrade craft. She added:
“We urgently need more volunteers to help us gain support from retailers, cafés and restaurants, faith groups, schools and voluntary groups; and who are willing to sell Tradecraft goods which help to fund the Fairtrade programme.”
If you would like to volunteer, please contact Tara Fisher at tara.fisher9@gmail.com
